Date of death: 11/19/2023
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1963
“Pat/Patrick/Dad/Grandpa/Bubba” McGuckin died in the early morning of Sunday November 19th, at Siemon’s Senior Living in Somerset, Pennsylvania. His final days and hours, were spent with loved ones-singing, holding hands, hugging and expressing great love and gratitude for one another.
Pat was born June 16th, 1937 to Tom and Mary McGuckin in Akron, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Tom, Tim and Bernie and his beloved son, Danny.
Patrick is survived by his daughters Amy Buchler and Laurie McGuckin-Gibson and her husband, Eric, as well as his five grandchildren Abby, Emily, Ryan, Lily and Gracie. And finally, Pat is also survived by his dear friend and adventure buddy for nearly two decades, Carol Famariss, along with his four legged best friend, “Sandy”.
Patrick’s first career was as a Catholic priest in the Akron, Ohio area. He was then called to serve in El Salvador for several years. When he returned to the US, he married Estelle Zorman, who remains a close friend. For the rest of his professional career, he worked in the Department of Health and Human Services, advocating for hemophiliac and migrant communities across the country.
Pat loved the outdoors, so after he retired he moved near Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania, a favorite outdoor spot from his youth, where he continued to hike, bike, kayak and camp with Carol, his kids and grandkids, well into his 80s.
Pat also loved skiing, both cross country and downhill, and would take any chance he could get to hit the slopes.
Golf too was a great love of his. As a youth in Akron, he would often caddy for the PGA tour and in his lifetime became quite the golfer himself, ultimately certified as a PGA golf instructor and the recipient of multiple “holes in one”.
Throughout his life he loved music, and was an expert at playing classical piano, guitar and dulcimer. He had a true zest for life, a sharp sense of humor, the gift of gab, a deep love for his family, humanity and the Earth. “Pat/Patrick/Dad/Grandpa/Bubba” will be missed by all.