Patrick William McNallen
Patrick William McNallen passed away Sunday morning, November 24, 2024 in Florida. He was born March 24, 1951 at Butler Memorial Hospital in Butler, PA. He was the son of John E. McNallen and Mabel (Coyle) McNallen of Chicora, PA. Patrick grew up in Chicora and attended Karns City High School, graduating in 1969. He was an excellent student and played on both the football and basketball teams at Karns City. He then attended Columbian Prep for a year prior to enrolling at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. He graduated in 1974 and was commissioned into the U.S. Navy as an Ensign in the Navy Supply Corps. After leaving the Navy in 1979, he began his career in the medical supply field, working for several medical supply organizations in various sales and marketing positions. He ended his career as a multi year President of Elbit Systems of Merrimack, NH. Upon his retirement from Elbit Systems, Patrick became a volunteer Crossing/Safety Guard for the Amherst police Department assisting with safely directing grade school students to and from their school. One of his favorite daily routines while doing this was to give the students; everyday, a riddle which they had to solve by the end of the day and tell him the answer on their way home.
They say that home is where the heart is and for Pat; like his father, home was always Chicora. He loved his visits home to spend time with family and buddies who were friends for life, aunts, uncles and cousins. One of his first stops when coming home was to visit his grandmother “Ma” McNallen. He appreciated the “culture” of his home town and had the best of friends and buddies there. He always made time for everyone and had an endless supply of stories and laughter to share. His sons gave him great joy. Corey, Keelan and Jack all participated in sports growing up and he enjoyed watching them play in their various athletic endeavors. Fishing was also passion of his especially when he was able to include his sons.
He was an ultimate athlete and leader. He was a quarterback of his high school football team and worked hard in his first year at USNA to become a member of the freshman team while also selecting a very difficult Academic Major. He succeeded in both areas and ended up starting as the Sprint Football Quarterback and was a member of the Navy Lacrosse team. His 4 year journey at USNA with his Company mates, Classmates and Teammates highlighted his inner drive, sense of humor in tough times and genuine friendships with his peers. Not many people knew that he was color blind; normally disqualifying for USNA, but he achieved distinguished service in the Supply Corps. Patrick could be somewhat of a rascal, enjoying many an adventure with his hometown or Navy buddies. He was never afraid of living a little on the edge! The relationships he formed in Chicora, Karns city, Annapolis and Business, endured throughout his life. While Pat could certainly be “the life of the party”, his true strength was helping others and steadfast mission of doing what was right.
Pat’s life was a pillar of service to others – family, friends and employees, and the less fortunate. A form of Dementia began around age 68 and eventually shortened his journey. He will be remembered and missed by all who had the blessing of knowing him.
He is survived by his sons Corey and Jack, siblings Michael McNallen(Pam) of Annapolis, MD; Maureen Gray of Butler, PA; Melissa McNallen of Fox Chapel, PA.; his grandchildren Seamuis, Eibhlin and Clodagh and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Keelan and his sister Kathleen Steiner.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Rd., Chicora, from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, December 15. A funeral Mass will be held Monday, December 16 at 10 a.m. at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, 409 North Main St, Chicora, PA, with Patrick’s cousin, the Rev. William Ashbaugh, pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Ann Arbor, MI, officiating. Inurnment will follow at Hemphill Cemetery. A reception will be held after inurnment in Mater Dolorosa Church Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to the St Clare Parish, 210 St Wendelin Rd, Butler, PA 16002 or to Chicora Fire Department, PO Box F, Chicora, PA, 16025. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.