Lawrence "Pat" Patrick Brandow, age 78, of Green Valley, Arizona, passed away Monday, March 23, 2026, at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson, after a fearless battle with lung cancer. Throughout this journey, Pat remained positive and displayed incredible strength. As a distinguished military veteran, Pat showed his true colors and fought a courageous fight, with determination and grace, inspiring everyone who knew him.

Pat was born on November 19, 1947, in Sandwich, Illinois, the son of Vincent and Dorothy Brandow. He attended Saint Bede Academy, a private, Catholic college-preparatory high school in Peru, Illinois, graduating in 1966.

Directly following high school, Pat joined the United States Navy, attending basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois, December 1966 to March 1967. His first assignment was Yankee Station, which was on the USS Kearsarge (one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers) off the South China Sea at Tonkin Gulf, from April 1967 to June 1968. It was during this time that Pat grew a strong interest in Meteorology.

After his stint on the USS Kearsarge, Pat continued his Naval instruction, attending the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training July 1968 to November 1968, in Lakehurst, New Jersey. He completed his education in Meteorology and graduated top of his class. Because of this great achievement, Pat was able to select his next base, and he chose to go to Naval Air Facility Atsugi in Japan, where he was stationed from December 1968 to July 1971.

Following Atsugi, Pat was then placed at Saufley Field, a military airport and support facility located in Pensacola, Florida. This field was associated with the main Naval Air Station Pensacola, where Pat stayed from August 1971 to December 1974. In January 1975 Pat went back to Lakehurst, New Jersey to attend the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training through May 1975.

Finding his way back to an aircraft carrier after the end of the Vietnam War, Pat served on the USS Midway from June 1975 to July 1977. The USS Midway is one of the longest-serving carriers in the 20th century; the first in a three-ship class of large carriers that featured an armored flight deck and powerful air group of 120 planes. Pat played an integral part working in Meteorology, as he would attend pilot briefings, gathering and interpreting weather into a form used by the pilots for flight planning. This included weather observations, forecasts, and aeronautical information.

In August 1977 to May 1980, Pat was located to Naval Air Station Cubi Point, which was an aerial facility located at the edge of Naval Base Subic Bay, near the town of Olongapo on the west side of Luzon Island in the province of Zambales. During Pat's time here, he met a beautiful Filipina woman, with long black hair down to her knees, named Emerlina Rozal. She worked at the Navy Exchange Subic Bay, and after six months of courtship, Pat and Lina were married on January 21, 1978. Two years later, they welcomed their first-born child, Sharon Marie Brandow, on February 20, 1980.

With a four-month-old baby in tow, Pat and Lina were moved to New Orleans, Louisiana in June 1980 and resided there until March 1983. Many crawfish boils were had here, in addition to lots of Mardi Gras celebrations and plenty of King Cakes!

The last military location Pat and Lina lived in was Fort Ord in Monterey, California, from April 1983 to October 1986. During these three years, not only did Pat attend Naval Postgraduate School, finetuning his skills and knowledge in Meteorology and Oceanography, but also welcomed a second bundle of joy named Matthew Lee Brandow on September 6, 1984.

Finally in 1986, Pat retired from the United States Navy, after serving 20 years and earning an E-7 rank as a Chief Petty Officer. Within the same year, Pat accepted a job in Seattle, Washington as a Meteorologist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Brandow's set family roots and purchased a house in Renton, Washington, where they lived for 24 years.

Pat predicted the weather, working swing and graveyard shifts for about ten years in the office. He then became a Port Meteorological Officer, supporting the observation programs aboard Voluntary Observing Ships. He was responsible for recruiting new vessels as observers, and for ensuring the quality observations from vessels actively participated in the program. This was a perfect job for Pat, as he was a people person. Visiting and getting to know ship crews from all over the world; Pat assisted deck officers with marine weather observations, suggesting methods of improvement. He was a part of the maritime community and enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life.

In 2010, Pat retired from NOAA, and moved to warmer temperatures in sunny Green Valley, Arizona with his beloved wife Lina. He loved traveling the world, especially taking cruises. From Europe to South America and the French Polynesian Islands, Pat always embraced diverse cultures, food and people, appreciating the beauty around him. Just this past January Pat and Lina celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary!

Pat was a parishioner at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, where he attended church regularly. He had a strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends and supporters, who carried him through the last part of his journey. Right before passing, Pat said he lived a great life and was proud of his children and grandchildren.

Pat's legacy lives on; may his soul find eternal peace in the loving arms of God.

Pat is survived by his wife, Lina; daughter Sharon Ramento and son-in-law Jantzen Ramento; son Matthew Brandow; grandchildren Beckham Ramento and Chancellor Ramento; sister Barb Meyer; and brothers Ron (Livia) Brandow, Paul (Judy) Brandow, Doug (Judie) Brandow, and Mike (Victoria) Brandow.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Dorothy Brandow.

A Viewing will be held at 10:30am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00am on April 8, 2026, at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, located at 505 N La Cañada Dr, Green Valley, AZ 85614. A Celebration of Life Luncheon will follow Mass at 12:30pm at Quail Creek Madera Clubhouse, located at 2055 E Quail Crossing Blvd, Green Valley, AZ 85614.