- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
Patrick McCrea
Pat was always working to get a laugh. He had claimed one of his best friends was a Monsignor, showed up with overalls and no shirt and tried to convince people he was some kind of hillbilly and if you were standing by a pool he might just go ahead and push you in. As an educator he was no different; he started off every day in the classroom with a joke to wake the kids up and start off the day in the right frame of mind. They couldn’t get enough of him- his room would be full of students during lunchtime, half enjoying eating with him, the other half getting a little needed tutoring. He spent 41 years at the Alice Costello School in Brooklawn teaching 8th grade science. And even in semi-retirement he kept educating, working at Millsboro Middle School, Delaware and even after that as a substitute. If he wasn’t spreading knowledge in the classroom he was most likely coaching and mentoring, especially basketball, but just about everywhere else where they needed a hand. But his love of sport dated to his youth; he was inducted into the hall of fame at Monsignor Bonner as the quarterback who won the Catholic League Championship, played in the Little League World Series, played minor league baseball for Pittsburgh and went to Temple on a baseball scholarship. He was an active member at Cripple Creek Golf Course. He loved being on the golf course especially with his friends. Even losing his leg couldn’t keep him from competing; he even played in a golf tournament in Las Vegas. And with competition in his blood he also spent multiple years owning and racing horses at Garden State Park, the Meadowlands, and Ocean Downs. His late son, Patrick, was his trainer and driver for a while and one of his horses ran at the Breeders Crown. Two horses once won in a day, though he credited that to a miraculous medal being held at the finish line by his mother. Most evenings and weekends in his younger years found him running his supermarket in Chester Heights, PA where he was also the butcher. He was a devout Catholic though he may have misbehaved from time to time while sitting in the pews.
In grammar school he met a pretty girl named Patricia. According to Patrick, she chased him until he ran out of sneakers and then he gave into her advances (others, including Patricia, disputed that narrative). In any case, they’d share an amazing 53-year marriage blessed by 4 children: Kelly Anne, Kimberly Anne (Mark Labbree), Kristie Anne, and the late Patrick Sean and later by grandchildren, Morgan, McKayla, Desirae and Roy.
Come celebrate 75 great years Friday 8-10:15 a.m. at Budd Funeral Home, Woodbury for a public viewing. Followed by a private Catholic Mass and then a public burial at Interment Wenonah Cemetery, Wenonah.
A memorial will take place in Delaware at a later date.
Donations in lieu of flowers to St Jude’s Hospital (Stjude.org) or American Diabetes Foundation (diabetes.org) will be appreciated.
10 Comments
With great sadness we send our prayers and love to Patsy and her family and friends. May Gods peace surround you all at this time. Pat was such a sweet soul.
Pat was an inspiration to us all. He never quit. He never bemoaned his circumstances and he always was happy to speak with you. A devoted husband, father, teacher, coach and mentor, Pat was a friend to all. We can all learn from Pat McCrea. He will be greatly missed, but he will never be forgotten.
Drew & Barb Sunderlin
There are no words to describe the impact you left on so many of us. You were my favorite teacher in school and made me actually want to learn. I hope you are flying high with your son. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire McCrea family.
Pat is and will be missed as a neighbor, clubmate, backyard storyteller and most of all a friend.
His courage in the face of medical setbacks was phenomenal and awesome.
Rest in peace’
Dear Patsy and family, we cannot Express our sorrow for the loss of Pat. He was a inspiration to everyone who new him. He loved teaching,golf,and most of all his family and friends. We will forever miss his friendship, company and yes , even his bad jokes. There will always be a void in our lives for our dearest friend. REST IN PEACE PAT, You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Mr.McCrea will be missed at MMS. He was a great teacher. He always had a smile for everyone. I’m am so sorry for your loss.
Our deepest condolences to Patsy, friends and family. Pat left an indelible impression on my life. His strength in the face of adversity and his humor in face of everything else life throws at us are both enduring memories. A round of golf with Pat was always a pleasure, but it was after the round that Pat’s friendship always shined through. We will miss him. “Fore!” heaven.
We were truly honored to be friends with Pat McCrae – he was a gentleman and friend.
He was just a great guy. His stories and jokes were so entertaining and I had to smile whenever he was around. His efforts to return to golf after all his issues was so courageous. He was a joy to be around and I sure will miss him.
So sorry to hear about Pat’s passing. We played many golf rounds together and one against each other. I am missing a kind, funny and good friend.