“Remembering Pat”
by Phil Ryan ’65, Hon. ’18
Pat and I were dear friends for 65 years; we met at Earle Bridge our first week at WPI. Pat and I both pledged Phi Kappa Theta
and we were roommates our sophomore year. That was the beginning of our wonderful friendship. Early on, it was obvious that Pat was disciplined, conscientious, hardworking, curious, optimistic, caring and considerate and was determined to succeed at WPI. Not only did Pat succeed… he thrived and he favorably impacted many others WPI experience.
Pat majored in Mechanical Engineering, was a dorm counselor, played four years of football and was co-captain with Jack Kelley his senior year. Our senior year, Dave Larue and I were press box announcers for the football games and we often provided an extra cheer and encouragement for Pat and Jack. He ran track, was Major Army ROTC, TECH NEWS, member of the Tech Senate and President of the WPI Athletic Council. He was elected to Who’s Who. Most of all, he was warm, inviting, big wide smile and he made friends easily. Everyone knew and was fond of Pat.
When we became proud alumni of the WPI Centennial Class of 1965 it was time to elect our class president. We elected Pat as class president for life. What a brilliant choice as over many decades, Pat was the exemplar of a superb, highly communicative, effective leader and active class president. He played a vital role in getting large turnouts at our class reunions; we set fundraising records for our 50th reunion. He served on the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors. Pat’s monthly class newsletter set a new WPI standard. Classmates eagerly contributed notes of their experiences, career, adventures and family and we raved about how meaningful it was to continue to connect and share life’s experiences.
These are just a few of the many recent notes of gratitude from our classmates -
"Pat…. You are one of kind and the class of '65 is blessed to have you. I've been amazed at how you have managed to publish the monthly newsletters for all of us. I know I couldn't have kept that pace. As has already been stated, we've truly enjoyed the continued connection you have established with classmates- reading stories from the past and as well as current activities. It’s been a great life's journey for us, and you have kept our link to WPI truly special. My best to you as you take a well-deserved break. Most of all, thank you for your personal and dedicated contribution to the class of '65." - Wayne Ponik ‘65
"Hello Pat, Your missives are a highlight for me! Thank you." Dave Clayton ‘65
"Thanks Pat, for years of keeping us in touch with our classmates with great stories of accomplishments and life experiences. You have performed a great service to us all and have my sincerest thanks. You deserve a rest from all the work it must take to put this together. It's time to step back and look for new fulfilling endeavors that fit your energy and interest levels." Bill Lightfoot ‘65
For several years, Judy and I hosted the young Cahill, Hart, Kennedy, DeSimone and Moran families for a summer gathering at our home in NH… swimming, frisbee, food, fun, 14 energetic youngsters and great conversations.
To celebrate our 40th WPI reunion, Pat, Bob Cahill, Gene Dionne and I climbed NH’s Mount Washington…. ‘the weather was not great’ is a big understatement. We pledged to hike MTW again for our 50th; however, all four of us reneged on our pledge. Pat, Mimi, Judy and I enjoyed a trip to Italy during which we visited the WPI Venice Project Center and hosted faculty and students at lunch. Italy’s economic bureau reported a huge increase in gelato sales during our stay.…. and these are but a few of our shenanigans that can be reported publicly.
Pat was an exemplar of a “connector” of people, a superb communicator and leader; always keeping in touch and always participating and arranging opportunities to get together. After moving to Dallas to live near their oldest daughter and her family, Pat and Mimi made frequent road trips, often driving to NE to visit their many friends, family in upstate NY, attend special events and support WPI. It was not unusual for me to receive a phone call from Pat ‘I’m on the road… calling just to catch up’.
For many years, fraternity brothers and our spouses (40-60 of us) from the mid-60s era gathered in early September for the annual Mashpee (MA) Muster on Cape Cod. Pat and Mimi played an important role in the starting and planning of this grand event. For many years, Pat organized two annual Boston Pops concerts … summer and the special Holiday Concert. These were wonderful Boston weekends with our spouses, enjoying music, North End Italian dining and great conversations.
Excerpts from comments I received from some of Pat’s close friends -
"Pat was always optimistic, a trait always welcomed. Regardless how upset you may be, Pat brought you back to the positive side of the balance sheet." Bob Cahill ‘65
"He was one of the kindest gentlemen I’ve known. I will miss him." Maureen Maynard, WPI
"Pat was a role model for me and others in PKT. Always upbeat and positive. His 95 issues of our Class Newsletter is unique and greatly appreciated." Gene Dionne ‘65
"Pat and I and our wives took a river cruise in Europe. Pat spent time getting to know many of the guests. In the evenings, with permission of the staff, Pat would quiz the guests on what they had learned that day. Mimi would then present the winner with some small local item she had purchased while in port. The last evening at the Captain’s Dinner, Pat received a standing ovation." Joe Gracia ‘65
"My heart aches….. the best of the best." Jerry Morris ‘65
"Patrick was truly one of a kind, from his 45,000 miles of running all recorded in his daily diary to his devotion to WPI and his class of ’65 to his driving all over the USA to visit family and friends. He helped us start the Mashpee Muster and have it grow beyond our wildest dreams. May he rest in peace." Walt Lankau ‘64
I was honored when Pat asked me to present him with the Goat’s Head Award for Lifetime Commitment to WPI at our 65th reunion last September. Many of our classmates were there; supporting Pat was a big reason. At that special event, Pat with humble gratitude said: “I owe my WPI degree completely to the trusting souls who believed in me. I have an obligation, to do the same for the next generation.”
Wayne Ponik ’65 perhaps said it best: “You are one of kind and the class of '65 is blessed to have you.”
Pat lived our Phi Kappa Theta motto: “Give Expecting Nothing Thereof”.
I miss Pat; the wonderful memories will always remain. Rest in Peace Brother Pat… truly, a life well lived.
Gifts in Pat's memory may be made to "WPI’s Areas of Greatest Need."