Patrick Joseph Naughton

Pat was born on April 3, 1958, in Hastings, Minnesota, to Mary Nell Ryan and Michael Dennis Naughton. Pat was one of five siblings. He spent his childhood in Hastings, MN; Davenport, IA; and Plymouth, MA, forming lifelong friendships and a deep appreciation for family, faith, and community. He meet his wife Colleen in Boston, Massachusetts in 1981 , married in 1984 and their daughter Caitlin was born in 1988.

He earned a degree in Oceanographic Engineering from the University of Rhode Island in 1980 and later received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Richmond in 1991. In 1995, he obtained his Professional Engineering License in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Pat built a distinguished career as a mechanical engineer, working for Stone & Webster and Virginia Power, where he was respected for his professionalism, integrity, and steady leadership.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Pat’s heart was devoted to service. He was a lifetime member of both the Ancient Order of the Hibernians and the Knights of Columbus. In 2019, he founded and became the first president of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Southport, North Carolina. In October 2025, he was honored with the John Barry Award for outstanding achievement and service. Within the Knights of Columbus, Pat achieved the rank of Fourth Degree Knight and served as a Faithful Navigator.

In 2018, Pat earned his Master Gardener certification through the Brunswick County Extension Office. He generously volunteered countless hours at the Extension garden and created a beautiful bog garden within his Winding River community in Bolivia, sharing both his knowledge and his love of gardening with others.

Pat will be remembered as one of the most generous and kind individuals one could know. He was always eager to give back and worked tirelessly to make life better for his fellow man. His steady presence, warm spirit, and servant’s heart left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Colleen Pyper; his cherished daughter, Caitlin Pyper Naughton; siblings Katie Sullivan (Daniel), Sean Naughton, Tom Naughton (Amanda), and Molly Naughton (Peter Barrett); sister-in-law Diane Force (Michael Force); and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Nell Ryan (2006), and his father, Michael Dennis Naughton (2018).

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Southport. A celebration of life will follow the Mass. Pat will be entombed in the columbarium at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, Pat requested that donations be made to Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry (www.warmnc.org) or Christian Recovery Center, Inc. (www.crcirecovery.org).

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Bolivia Chapel.