WILMINGTON — Patrick Maines, cherished husband, father and grandfather, passed away in Wilmington, North Carolina on March 5, 2025. He was 81 years old.
Born in Anderson, Indiana and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, he was the son of the late Paul and Francis Maines. Patrick earned his undergraduate degree from Arizona State University, with his graduate study at Thunderbird Academy, now called Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU.
For over 30 years, Patrick was the CEO and president of The Media Institute, a nonprofit think tank in Washington, DC, supported by media and communications companies. A strong supporter of the First Amendment, while there he helped create a national free speech event called Free Speech Week. He retired as president emeritus in 2018. Earlier in his career, he was the head of public affairs for a Fortune 500 company, as well as an assistant publisher of National Review magazine, both in New York City. A prolific writer, after retirement he continued to write opinion pieces for many national publications.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Diana Maines; his daughters Kimberly Falkenhagen (Cameron) of Wilmington, NC and Hilary John (Todd) of Charleston, South Carolina; his grandchildren, Jordan John, Ava John, Hannah John, Isabella John and Lauren Falkenhagen; his siblings, Pamela Kieffer of Phoenix, Arizona and Michael Maines of Fallbrook, California; and several nieces and nephews.
They will remember him best by his devotion to Diana; his love for and interest in the varied lives of his children and grandchildren; his appreciation of humor and commitment to making his family and friends laugh; and his deep affection for the family pets throughout his life, most recently his Golden Retriever, Divot.
A service and reception will be held at 11:00 a.m. on March 22 at All Saints Anglican Parish, 2623 N. College Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28405.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Patrick’s memory may be made to All Saints Parish at the address listed above.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the support and prayers during Patrick’s prolonged illness to extended family; treasured long time friends; the members of All Saints Parish and Bishop David Haines; and the Saybrook community of Landfall.
