Patrick J. Dugan

Patrick J. Dugan, 68, of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Dublin, Ohio, died peacefully at home with his family by his side. He fought his year-and-a-half battle with pancreatic cancer with faith, dignity, and humor, and never changed who he was or his outlook on life. He remained thankful for what he called a “charmed life.”

He often said his character was shaped first by his parents, John and Irene; the example of his four older brothers; and his childhood years in a farmhouse, helping his parents build a golf course, which instilled a deep sense of responsibility and strong work ethic. Just as formative were the Sisters of Charity nuns, whose lessons in love, empathy, and compassion stayed with him throughout his life and became the values he embodied and passed on to his family.

Nothing brought Pat greater joy than the life he built with Susan, his high school sweetheart and wife of 48 years. He adored her and cherished their lifelong partnership, finding happiness in both the big adventures and the quiet, everyday moments. Together they raised four children—Cathy, Anne, Karen, and Tom—who were his pride and joy. Pat celebrated not only their extraordinary achievements and careers but, most of all, the integrity, kindness, and love they exemplify. His seven grandchildren were the light of his life, and being their Papa brought him immeasurable joy; he was a constant and irreplaceable presence in their everyday lives.

Pat graduated from Bath High School and earned his BSBA, cum laude, from Bowling Green State University, where he captained the varsity golf team and competed in two NCAA Division I National Championships. He went on to earn his JD with honors from The Ohio State University, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif. Pat built a distinguished legal career as a longtime partner with Squire Patton Boggs, leading the transactional half of the firm with over 40 offices across 20 countries. He briefly left to serve as Chief Legal Officer for his client, Medical Mutual, to help lead the company before returning to Squire Patton Boggs to conclude his career. His accolades were many: Crain’s Cleveland Business General Counsel of the Year (2012), inclusion in Best Lawyers in America from 2008 to 2023, and board roles with The Centers for Families and Children and Ariel Corporation. Pat continued his love of golf at Wedgewood Golf & Country Club and The Vinoy Club, winning numerous club championships and building lifelong friendships. He was proud of the vast personal and professional community he built throughout his life.

Pat is preceded in death by his parents, John and Irene; his brother, Mike; and his father-in-law, George Docter. He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; his four children: Cathy (Jeff) Franks of St. Petersburg, FL; Anne (Anna Taylor) Dugan of Middletown, NJ; Karen (Brian Smith) Dugan of Portland, OR; and Tom (Theresa) Dugan of Seattle, WA; seven grandchildren: Noah, Luke, and Brie Franks; Callan Dugan; Margot Smith; and George and Teddy Dugan; brothers: Jack, Dan, and Gene; mother-in-law, Marilyn Docter; brothers-in-law, Mark and Eric Docter; and many nieces and nephews.

Pat was known for his infectious smile, big hugs, and love of reading. He could engage in conversation with anyone and had an uncanny way of making everyone feel seen and valued. Above all, family was everything to him. He was so loved and will be profoundly missed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Pat’s memory can be made to the Paulist Fathers at https://www.paulist.org/give/ or The Centers for Families and Children at https://www.thecentersohio.org/ways-to-help/donate/.

A memorial service for Patrick will be held 3:00 p.m., Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, OH 43017, where visitation will occur immediately following, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 5, 2025, at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 7179 Avery Rd, Dublin, OH 43017.