Patrick Francis Carter

After graduating from Heelan Catholic High School in 1957, Pat briefly attended CU in Boulder Colorado, hoping to be a lawyer. However, his deep faith drew him to attend Holy Cross Catholic Seminary in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

After his first year of seminary, Pat was encouraged to take time off to reflect on if priesthood—and a life of celibacy—was truly his calling. Pat quickly realized it was not when, during his first month of reflection, he met Rachel on a blind date. “It was love at first sight,” he said. He knew he wanted to raise his family in Colorado, so he moved to Denver, and Rachel soon followed him.

On December 27, 1960, he married Rachel Frances Drzycimski.

During their first year of marriage, Pat and Rachel moved into the upstairs apartment of Marge and Ray Harris’ home. Recognizing that the newlyweds were missing their family back in Iowa, the Harrises invited them to be part of their family. They celebrated their first Christmas in Colorado together, which began a more than 60-year tradition of shared holidays and adopted family.

Pat joined the Air National Guard from 1960-1966, including being called to active duty during the 1961-1962 Berlin Crisis in which he trained pilots in the simulator at Buckley Airforce Base.

He started his career in Denver with the Air National Guard during the day and two different jobs, including a janitor at night. His friendly, outgoing personality quickly advanced him to Property Manager and then into commercial real estate. In 1963, he joined Fredrick R. Ross company and soon advanced to become Vice President of Leasing. Pat was referred to as being “Denver’s most experienced office leasing specialist.” After 15 years of working at Ross Company, Pat started his own real estate business. He remained a Real Estate Broker until his retirement in 2012.

Pat and Rachel had six children. Mary Lynn and Christopher died shortly after birth and their son, Nick, died in a plane crash at the age of 18. Pat was very proud of his three daughters and grandchildren and was never shy of giving lots of hugs.

Pat was deeply dedicated to his faith, family, and friends.

Pat loved to socialize and was a wonderful host, always making others laugh and feel welcomed. He loved family traditions including roasting hot dogs and s’mores every Father’s Day and taking after-school trips to Dairy Queen with the grandkids. Pat was an excellent baker and often made homemade breads and pies to share with family, friends, and neighbors. He enjoyed playing Tripoley with the grandkids and playing cards every night with his “lovely bride.” He traveled the country with Rachel, especially to Iowa to visit relatives. Pat was an avid, speed-reader, often reading 3 books per week.

Pat loved Jesus and was devoted to serving God and the Catholic church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, loved to volunteer for church events (his favorite being the annual Fish Fry), and for many years brought communion and Meals on Wheels to those in need. He developed many special friends from Christ the King and Risen Christ Catholic parishes.

In December, Pat and Rachel celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with family and friends.

Although he experienced great pain over the years fighting a long battle with cancer, his fierce independence, deep faith in Jesus, and unconditional love for his family and friends carried him through. He had a strong hope in eternal life and a desire to see all those around him celebrating in heaven with him someday.

Pat went to be with the Lord on March 14, 2026.

Pat is survived by his wife, Rachel Carter; daughters, Beth (Bob) Drum, Amy (Mike) Hughes, Mary Sue (Greg) Johnson; grandchildren, Reece (Deanna) Hughes, Rachel Hughes, Emma (Noah) Franklin, Jessica Johnson; and great-grandson, Elijah Hughes.

He is survived by his brothers, Jim (Ida) Carter and Michael (Karen) Carter; sister, Carole (Tom) Wall; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

He is preceded in death by his sons Nicholas Patrick Carter and Christopher Joseph; daughter, Mary Lynn; parents, Viola Freeman and Raymond Carter; brother Tom Carter; and Colorado parents, Marge and Ray Harris.

A mass will be held at Risen Christ Catholic Church (3060 S. Monaco Pkwy Denver, CO 80222) at 10:00 a.m. on March 30, 2026. Reception to immediately follow. Rosary will be at 9:30 a.m. prior to the mass. Interment will be at Ft. Logan National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on March 30, 2026.

Memorial donations may be made to your favorite charity or to one of Pat’s:

Meals On Wheels, Denver Metro - GIVE

Risen Christ Church - Knights of Columbus Council #13301

3060 S. Monaco Pkwy Denver, CO 80222