Patrick came from a tight-knit Irish Catholic family in a beach community in New York. He spent his summers as a lifeguard and enjoyed playing rugby at Xavier High School and for his local rugby team. He was a leader during his college years at Belmont Abbey, North Carolina.

In 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused havoc on his hometown. Patrick, in shorts and flipflops, immediately joined his friends and family members to help fight the wind driven fires at his neighbors’ homes. Since his brothers, cousins, and uncles were all firefighters, it was no surprise that he joined the FDNY in 2014. He eventually settled into Ladder 120/Engine 231 Watkins Street, where his larger-than-life personality and his kind, gentle nature quickly filled the firehouse kitchen with laughter.

At Christmas time he would lead Christmas carols on a Saturday in McSorley’s in New York City. St. Patrick’s Day found him carrying a flag in honor of the 9/11 firefighters in the parade. Every summer on his bicycle with an American flag, he led a charitable bike outing in his community. And any time of the year he could be found tending bar and was everybody’s favorite fun time.

In true Patrick fashion, he surprised his family and friends by turning his surprise 40th birthday celebration into a surprise wedding to his longtime love, Kara, on April Fool’s Day.

Patrick was a hero in life, living every day to the fullest. We give thanks for the gift of Patrick in our lives. Although our time was short, he filled every moment with his love, laughter, and light. He was a devoted son, husband, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, and everybody’s best friend. His footprints will remain on our Rockaway beaches and in our hearts forever.