Patrick Roger Wilkie

Patrick Roger Wilkie was born September 9, 1950 in Miami Beach, FL, to Roger and Eileen Wilkie. The oldest son of nine children, Pat graduated from St. Michael’s and LaSalle High School in Miami where he wore #33 on the football team. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and then earned a degree from Miami Dade Junior College.

Pat taught and coached at Holy Family, LaSalle, and later, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Schools. He was a positive influence on the lives of hundreds of young student athletes. In 1982, he was hired by the City of Miami Beach Fire Department. During his 25 years with MBFD, Pat was a hard-working firefighter, driver, inspector and rode rescue. He loved playing softball and soccer with the guys in the Firefighter Olympics. He would tell countless stories at our family dinner table of things that happened while he was on his 24 hour shift…most were funny, but many taught serious life lessons to his children.

In addition to his wife of 43 years, Mary, he is survived by his children he was so very proud of: Brian Wilkie (Zefra), Patrick Wilkie (Lindsey), Sean Wilkie, Eileen Wilkie, and Kristen Arnold (Daniel); as well as grandchildren he so adored: Caleb Wilkie, Luke Wilkie, Jameson Wilkie, Camryn Wilkie, Declan Wilkie, Cali Wilkie, Jack Arnold, Nash Arnold, and Casey Arnold.

He also leaves his siblings who were his first friends and shaped him into the man he became: Cathy Coyner (John), Jim Wilkie (Oscar), Mike Wilkie (Elvira), Rick Wilkie (Belinda), Helen Del Rey (Mario), Paul Wilkie, Barbara Barker (John), and Dolores Keene (Steve), as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews. Pat was predeceased by his parents, Roger and Mary Eileen Wilkie, and nephew David Tyser.

Services will be held at St. John Paul II Catholic Church in Ponte Vedra, FL on Thursday, April 3 at 11:00am ET with reception to follow. Pat will be buried at the National Cemetery in Jacksonville, FL on Friday, April 4 at 10:30am ET.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Pat’s honor may be made to: Lewy Body Dementia Association https://www.lbda.org/donate/; or Saint Rose of Lima School in Miami Shores https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Giving/str415282; or Community Hospice and Palliative Care in Jacksonville https://thefoundationcares.org/give/.

Pat’s family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and family who have shared thoughts, prayers, and support. We appreciate it more than you know.