Formal:
* The patriarch of the family, a respected elder, presided over the annual gathering.
* The patriarch of the church, known for his wisdom and guidance, delivered a powerful sermon.
* The company's patriarch, a visionary entrepreneur, built the business from the ground up.
Informal:
* My grandfather, the patriarch of our family, always has the best stories.
* The old patriarch of the village, known for his grumpy demeanor, was actually quite kind-hearted.
* The patriarch of the band, a talented guitarist, led the group through decades of musical success.
Figurative:
* The mighty oak, standing tall and proud, was the patriarch of the forest.
* The ancient city, steeped in history, was the patriarch of the region.
Remember that "patriarch" usually implies a male figure, though it can sometimes refer to a female head of a family, especially in situations where a woman has assumed the traditional role of a patriarch.