Pat was born in his family’s home in Drumdoit, Castlefinn, Co. Donegal, Ireland on January 12, 1935, to John James and Mary McCauley (O’Donnell). He was the tenth of eleven children, and he learned to work hard and do his part on his family’s farm at an early age. Growing up in rural Ireland during the 1930s-40s was in no way an easy life, but to hear Pat tell of it, adventures were to be found at every opportunity. He was a proud member of the Irish Show Band the “Molloy All Stars” with whom he played saxophone and drums. His enthusiasm in telling the many stories of his childhood and homeland always brought a wide smile to listeners. Pat was a staunch believer in a united Irish nation.
Pat was always fascinated with travel and adventure. He had thoughts of emigrating to Scotland but, with his father’s urging, he set his sights on the United States. Pat's uncle Charles McCauley and his wife Catherine (Kitty) welcomed, and sponsored him upon his arrival, via Pan American Airlines, to New York City on January 30, 1957. He volunteered for service in the U.S. Army. Soon after, he was deployed to Germany as a tank crewman in the 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment stationed outside Bad Kissingen, West Germany. Pat spent nearly three years in Germany experiencing things that he talked about for the rest of his life. In 1961, he returned to civilian life in New York City working for The Irving Trust Bank. While at an Irish dance in Manhattan, he met and eventually married the love of his life, Ann Christina Quinn, and moved to Staten Island in 1963. Together, Patrick and Ann started a family that would grow to four children. Wanting to be closer to his family, Pat became the owner/operator of McCauley’s Deli near the corner of North Burgher Avenue and Cary Avenue in West Brighton. Around the local neighborhood the store was better known as “Pat’s Deli”. During that time, he also served as a Staff Sergeant in the New York Army National Guard, drilling at the Bedford Atlantic Armory in Brooklyn and Roslyn Air National Guard Station on Long Island. After selling the deli he worked in real estate until his retirement.
Pat made numerous trips back to his beloved homeland with his sons, daughters and grandchildren, passing along the magic of Ireland, and the history and knowledge of his extended Irish family.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Andy, Barney, Eddie, John, Charlie, Mary Bush, Daniel, Donal, Mack, Margaret McGill and his grandson Szymon.
Pat is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Ann McCauley (Quinn); his children, James Andrew, Joseph Patrick, Patricia Ann and Kathleen McCauley Owen; son-in-law, Christian Owen; daughters-in-law, Amy (Hines) McCauley, Anna (Krupa) McCauley; his grandchildren: Samantha McCauley Davies, Joanna Quinn McCauley, Carina Elizabeth Owen, Jackson Christian Owen, Katarzyna McCauley, Matthias Sebastian McCauley and a great-granddaughter Elizabeth Putnam Davies. He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces who always looked forward to meetings with their Uncle Paddy. All who knew him will miss him and his jovial spirit. May he rest in peace.
Visitation will be at the Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, NY on May 30, 2024, from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 981 Castleton Avenue, Staten Island, NY on May 31, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patrick's name to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patrick's name to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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