Patrick A. McConnell

Patrick A. McConnell was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Patrick will be remembered as a very exceptional person. He was the son of Mary and Patrick McConnell. Patrick grew up in Ireland.

Patrick was raised with three siblings. He had one older brother, Michael, and two younger sisters, Eileen and Mary. Patrick was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Patrick had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Patrick was an active child who took part in soccer and curling. He was an alter boy. However, to Patrick, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Patrick enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. Later in life, he became friends with Ann Lipizer and David Lavan.

On September 11, 1954 Patrick exchanged wedding vows with Josephine Boback at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church of Long Island City, New York. Empathic and loyal, Patrick was committed to making his new family happy.

Patrick worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Patrick was blessed with two children, one daughter, Mary Jo and one son, Robert. Another blessing for Patrick was the gift of two grandchildren, Christopher and Will.

Fortunately, Patrick enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Patrick worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. Patrick worked as a men's clothing salesman. He was employed for 20 years by Brooks Brothers. Patrick always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Patrick was also a Marine Corps Veteran. He served in the infantry during the Korean War. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of Lance Corporal. He received several awards recognizing him for his service, including a Purple Heart; National Defense Medal; Korean War Service Medal from U. S. A.; Korean War Service Medal from the United Nations; Korean War Service Medal from Korea; Korean Presidential Unit Citation; U. S. Presidential Citation; and Combat Action Ribbon. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Patrick enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. One of his favorite pursuits was baseball coaching for CYO. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Patrick found pleasure in sports. Patrick was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were baseball and hockey.

Throughout his life, Patrick was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Patrick was an active member of the Xavier High School Father's Club, Holy Name Society; Pioneers, Catholic Youth Organization; The Queens Senior Citizen League; and Senior Citizen Volunteer at LaGuardia Airport.

Patrick’s faith was important to him. He was a member of Most Precious Blood Parish from 1954 to the present. During that time, he was involved with Xavier Father's Club Bingo.

Patrick enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included European Cruises and trips to see his daughter perform on National Tours of Broadway shows.

Patrick was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. As a child, he loved dogs.

When Patrick’s retirement finally arrived in 1992, he was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in Volunteer Programs: La Guardia, and Veterans of America Volunteer. Even in retirement, Patrick continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Patrick was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

Patrick passed away on September 18, 2015 in Long Island City, New York. He fought a brave battle against congestive heart failure, cancer and dementia. He is survived by his children, Mary Jo and Robert McConnell; two grandchildren Christopher and Will McConnell; his sisters Eileen O'Riley and Mary McConnell. Services were held at Most Precious Blood Church. Patrick was laid to rest in St. Michael's Cemetery in Queens, New York.

Simply stated, Patrick was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Patrick leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Patrick A. McConnell.

In lieu of flowers please join the McConnell Family in honoring our father’s service during the Korean War with the United States Marine Corps by making a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project in his name: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=170&