Obituary of Patrick D. Heagerty

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Patrick Donnel Heagerty who passed peacefully on August 16, 2016 at the age of 91. Patrick was born in Oswego, NY. His parents, Michael Joseph Heagerty and Mary Mulrenan, Irish immigrants who hailed from Skibbereen, County Cork and Boyle, County Roscommon. He had two brothers. John Joseph and Thomas Michael. He lived most of his life in Manlius, NY with his wife Freda. Patrick was foremost, a gentleman, devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was proud to serve our country. He was a decorated veteran of the US Army during WWII having received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, The Combat Infantryman’s Badge and was honored by the French Government in 2004 with the Chevalier de la Legion d’honneur. Pat was especially proud of belonging to his band of brothers, the dogfaced Soldiers, who served in the 3rd Infantry Division, Company I, 15th Infantry. He met his sweetheart Freda, wife of 63 years, while attending Oswego State where they both earned teaching degrees. Pat’s deep passion for history made him a revered educator, impacting countless 8th graders during his 39 years of teaching, primarily at Wellwood Middle School in Fayetteville, NY. Those who knew Pat well knew his kind, accepting way with people. He was a captivating storyteller. He loved reading the New York Times on a daily basis and attempted to complete the crossword puzzle in every issue right until his final days. Pat was a man of simple pleasures and was known to enjoy a pint of Guinness now and then with his friends at the “Duck” Pub in Manlius, or a hot chocolate at Barnes and Noble.With skilled and steady hands, he created beautiful, complex model ships. He was a communicant of St. Ann's Church. Patrick and Freda had three children. They lost their eldest, Patrick A. Heagerty in 1995. He leaves behind his wife Freda, his son Michael (Julie), daughter Eileen (Jason), daughter-in-law Karyn (Frank), granddaughters Ryland and Rachel, daughter-in-law Dawn, grandsons Caleb and Finnbarr, his brother John, many excellent nieces and nephews, as well as longtime friends, David and Nancy Shannon and James and Lois Brown. Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 26th from 6:00-8:00 pm and a funeral mass will be held on Saturday, August 27th at 11:00 am. Both will be held at St. Ann’s Church on Seneca Turnpike in Manlius. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pat’s name to Friends of Dorothy, St. Lucy’s Food Pantry or Clear Path for Veterans. Love and gratitude to all who have held us close.