We regretfully announce the passing of Patrick D. Conroy, 83, of Escondido, California. He passed away on August 14, 2021, ending his battle with congestive heart disease and respiratory failure.
Patrick was born on December 18th, 1937 to Mary Belle and Bernard Conroy in the bustling city of Detroit, Michigan. After Patrick and his family moved to Los Angeles County, Patrick graduated from Alhambra HS then earned his AA at Pasadena City College, his BA from UC Santa Barbara and his MA in Teaching Spanish from the University of New Mexico, where he was a member of the Alpha Mu Gamma Language Society.
Patrick’s career in teaching languages (Spanish, French and German) began with North Shore School District, NY, from 1961-1964. He then taught Jr. High and High School in San Marino, CA for 38 years, where he was also in charge of the American Field Service (AFS) foreign exchange-student program. He loved his students and kept in touch with many, both foreign and local until his passing.
After retiring in 2002, for 19 years, he was a volunteer Academic and ROTC Recruiter for the University of New Mexico resulting in Patrick’s appointment as an Honorary Midshipman 1st Class in the U.S. Navy.
He never married but enjoyed a full and vibrant life with his extended family and more friends and colleagues, world-wide, than you could count. He was loving, kind, selfless, loyal, fun to be around and truly patriotic. Patrick was a devotee of reading, traveling, crossword puzzles, the Catholic Church, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Trader Joe’s and UNM.
He is survived by his cousins, Betty Hawkins, Preston Hawkins, Cindy Lou Blaylock, Janet Ichinose, Winston Ward, godson Geoffrey Lee and best friend Gary Bednorz.
Funeral Services and reception will be held at The Church of the Resurrection, 1445 Conway Dr., Escondido, CA 92027, on Wednesday, Sept 1st. beginning at 10:30 AM followed by internment at Eternal Hills Mortuary in Oceanside at 2:00 PM.
Memorial gifts may be made to: UNMfund.org/fund/alumni-los-angeles/
