SOUTHPORT — Patrick “Pat” John McGarry, age 80 of Southport, NC passed away on August 10, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with Merkel Cell Carcinoma.
Pat was born on March 14, 1944, to Michael E. McGarry and Viola McGarry of Park Ridge, IL. After graduating in 1962 from Notre Dame High School for Boys he went on to study Business Administration at the University of Dayton in Dayton Ohio.
Upon graduating from the University of Dayton, Pat proudly served our Country as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army serving in Korea where he earned the Army commendation Medal.
Once he completed his military service, Pat pursued a career in Information Technology as a manager for such companies as Westinghouse, Northrop Grumman, Orbital Sciences, and Future-Next, He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, VFW, and Worldwide Marriage Encounter and an avid woodworker and golfer. He loved to play online chess, as well as compete to figure out the daily Wordle with a family group chat.
In July of 1968, Pat married the love of his life Judith K. Huber whom he met at the University of Dayton, and they had 5 children, Sheila, Jennifer, Tracy, Sean and Kevin.
In 2013 Pat and Judy retired to Southport, NC where he enjoyed spending time golfing with his “super group” that became his fast friends. Volunteering with First Tee, Meals on Wheels, and co-chairing the Knights of Columbus charity golf tournament. Many miles were traveled to visit extended family and friends and to spend time with his grandchildren who were his pride and joy. Although he always would say he just didn’t get why anyone in St. James would want to go on vacation, …. ‘We are already there”.
Pat was predeceased by parents Michael and Viola McGarry, and sisters, Mary Haller and Kathleen Gordon. He is Survived by his wife of 56-year Judith K McGarry, children Sheila Muldowney and husband Michael (Mike) of Baltimore, MD, Jennifer (Jen) Martin and husband David (Dave) of Columbia MD, Tracy Dean and husband John of Wokingham, UK, Sean McGarry and wife Carrie of Baltimore, MD, and Kevin McGarry of Glen Burnie, MD. His seven grandchildren, Maeve, Nora and Joseph (Joe) Muldowney, Kyle and Mathew (Matt) Martin, Charlie and Rory Dean and his brother Michael McGarry (Fayetteville, AR), and brother-in-law John Gordan (Cedar Falls, IO) as well as a large extended family that he loved and held dear.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 14 at 11 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5369 Dosher Cutoff Rd., Southport, NC 28461, followed by a Celebration of Life in the Church Hall.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Patrick J McGarry to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via jimmyfund.org/gift.
Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family here.
