Gerald John Patrick

December 7, 1942 - February 24, 2024

Gerald (Jerry) John Patrick entered this world on December 7, 1942, one year after Pearl Harbor, in Niagara Falls, NY. On February 24, 2024, at the age of 81, Jerry passed away peacefully at his home in Huntington Beach, California with his family at his side.

Clement and Julia Patrick were parents to seven children, with Jerry being the second oldest. He attended school in Niagara Falls and graduated in 1961.

Jerry had a passion for science and math and was captivated by America’s involvement in the evolving Space Frontier. He was accepted at Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana, graduating with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering in January 1966.

In his yellow convertible, he headed west to Los Angeles, CA, having accepted a job with McDonnell-Douglas in 1966. In 1969, he worked for Hughes Aircraft in El Segundo, CA. That year he met the love of his life, Cheryl Horihan, on a blind date. He proposed to her after dating for only two months! They were married seven months later on June 27, 1970.

In 1972, Jerry accepted an engineering job with Telesat Canada at the field office in El Segundo, CA, eventually moving to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. After working for Telesat Canada, Jerry returned to California in 1978. He began working for Lockheed Marietta at the Boeing facility in Huntington Beach, where he contributed to the Titan launch vehicle program. When the final Titan rocket was launched in 2005, the program concluded, and Jerry retired in early 2006.

Jerry and Cheryl enjoyed many happy years hiking the mountains of California. Jerry also loved running, woodworking, photography, and using his Mac computer. He eagerly anticipated trips to Minnesota or New York every summer to visit the Horihan and Patrick families.

On November 7, 1979, his son Daniel was born, and Jerry couldn't have been prouder. Jerry’s exemplary fatherhood was evident as Dan cared for him during the challenging years of Alzheimer’s Disease.

In 2008, his granddaughter Chloe Michele was born! Jerry was so proud of his beautiful red-headed Chloe. She brought immense joy to him.

Above all, Jerry loved God and his family. He was a faith-filled husband, father, and grandfather throughout his life.

Jerry was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2015 but continued to enjoy many precious moments with his beloved family. He took pleasure in attending Los Angeles Angels' spring training baseball games in Arizona and traveling to London, Boston, New York, Hawaii, and Seattle with his family during the early years of his illness.

Jerry was blessed with wonderful caregivers who enabled him to remain at home. Angie, Lucy, and Celina were truly our angels on earth.

Jerry is survived by his wife of nearly 54 years, Cheryl; his son Daniel (Heather) and granddaughter Chloe of Fullerton, CA; his two sisters: Kathy Rybarczyk of Niagara Falls, NY, and Lori Patrick of Albany, NY; his brother John Patrick of Pittsfield, PA; brothers-in-law Charles Horihan (Kathy) of Apple Valley, MN, John Horihan (Jennifer) of Lanesboro, MN, Richard Horihan (Gayle Burdick) of Lanesboro, MN, and sisters-in-law Colleen Gorrilla of Presque Isle, WI, and Maureen (Dan) Anderson of Lanesboro, MN, along with twenty-two nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Wayne and James, his sister Suzanne, sister-in-law Sharon Patrick, parents-in-law William and Marjorie Horihan, brother-in-law Larry Gorrilla, sister-in-law Linda Horihan, niece Kelly, and nephews Mark and Keith.

Funeral services for Jerry will be held at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Huntington Beach, CA, on Thursday, March 14 at 10:00 am, followed by a reception at the Patrick home. Burial will take place at a later date at the Horihan family burial site, St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Lanesboro, MN. Funeral services for Jerry will also be live streamed and viewable with this link, www.youtube.com/stbonaventurehb

Please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association of Orange County, Hoag Hospice or a charity of your choice in Jerry’s name.

“I am satisfied with my life and see no need to change any part of it.”

—Jerry Patrick