Patrick Thomas Dwyer Obituary

#Middlebury #Obituary

Devoted to his family and community

Patrick Thomas Dwyer of Middlebury passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on May 31 in his home surrounded by his family after a brief battle with cancer.

Pat, born on March 17, 1934, is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Patricia (Cassidy) Dwyer and his four children, Barbara Leon and her husband, Jay, of Ellicott City, Maryland; Brian and his wife, Kathleen Dwyer, and Peggy Dwyer, all of Middlebury; and William and his wife, Karen Dwyer, of Huntington, New York; and nine grandchildren, Megan, Michael and Christopher Leon; Ben, Abby and Caroline Dwyer; and Brad, Brendan and Ethan Dwyer.

The oldest of seven children, Pat was the son of the late Thomas and Mildred (Adams) Dwyer. He is survived by two brothers, Richard of Watertown and William and his wife, Marci, of Southbury, who affectionately called him “P-Cat,” and two sisters, Barbara Brown of Annapolis, Maryland and Mary Ann and her husband, Steve Crosby, of Ellicott City, Maryland, who referred to him as “Brothone” and was predeceased by his sister, Catherine (Dwyer) Welch, and his brother, USAF Sgt. Thomas Dwyer. He leaves many nieces and nephews, all of whom will fondly remember Uncle Pat.

Pat was a lifelong Middlebury resident who passed in the house he grew up in.  He graduated from Leavenworth High School in Waterbury in 1952, Hartford State Technical Institute in 1964 and served two years in the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia; then worked for 45 years in the steel industry, starting at Waterbury Farrell and retiring from Integrated Industrial Systems in Wallingford.

Named for the holiday on which he was born, over the years family and friends always enjoyed celebrating his St. Patrick’s Day birthday.

The Dwyers are a founding family of St. John of the Cross Church, where Pat was a life long parishioner. He was baptized, served as a lector, Parish Council member and president, and chair of the Apple Harvest Festival.  He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus.

Pat’s other community activities included participation in Middlebury Youth Baseball for 20 years as a dedicated coach and officer.  Serving the Town of Middlebury, he was on the Land Preservation and Open Space Acquisition Committee and a member of the Cemetery Association for over 30 years.

Pat took great pride in supporting the activities and accomplishments of his grandchildren, on the fields, in the pool, at the theater, in the gym, and in their academic and professional pursuits. He reveled in finally seeing his Red Sox win the World Series and enjoyed that moment with family and friends, including his coffee crew from Dunkin’.

Public visiting hours adhering to current social guidelines will be held at St. John of the Cross Church Wednesday, June 3, from 4 to 7 p.m.  A private funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Murphy Funeral Home at 115 Willow Street in Waterbury is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. John of the Cross Church, P.O. Box 361, Middlebury, CT 06762.

Visit www.murphyfuneralhomect.com for more information or to send an online condolence.