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A Legacy in Every Note

A resident is smiling and holding his accordion.

Patrick K. is a man of many accolades — Veteran of the Year, deputy fire chief, champion fisherman — and he also happens to be the accordion-playing legend of East Village Place.

After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Pat joined the Springfield Fire Department. Over the years, he worked his way up the ranks, eventually becoming deputy chief in charge of the arson squad.

“When I was in the fire department, I woke them up one minute before they had to get up,” Pat said, reminiscing about his accordion wake-up calls. “We continued it for quite a while. They all had a heck of good fun with it. And then when I made captain, they called me in before the chief’s board and they said, ‘you can’t do that anymore, you’re driving everyone crazy,’” he recalled with a hearty chuckle.

A resident is holding a photo from when he was a firefighter.

After 39 years as a firefighter, Pat retired with a legacy of courage and compassion, always driven by a deep love for helping people in his community. Now, at 98 years young, he serves his community in a different way — sharing joyful melodies that lift spirits and bring people together. 

As a resident of East Village Place, Pat delights audiences with his beloved accordion. Whether performing in front of a large crowd or playing for a few friends and neighbors, he pours his heart into every tune. With the final note of each song, Pat looks up with a beaming smile, humbly acknowledging the applause from enthusiastic spectators.

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