Patrick J. Gilchrist, Sr. of Huntersland, found eternal peace on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

Born 91 years ago in Brooklyn on October 13, 1933 to Catherine (Reynolds) and Andrew B. Gilchrist, his life was nothing short of amazing and defined by faith, service, loyalty, kindness and love.

Shortly after his birth, the family returned to their native Ireland, where Patrick was raised.  Enduring the loss of his mother at a young age and the hardships of life instilled a resilience and strength of spirit that carried him through the next 80 plus years.  That strength and determination brought him through his schooling, completing the highest school grade possible at the time before he embarked back to the United States.

Patrick served proudly in the United States Army, between the Korean and Vietnam wars, stationed in Japan and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant before his Honorable Discharge.  Patrick then began a long and distinguished career in carpentry on the West side of Manhattan, with Local 608 and split his time between Queens and Huntersland.  There was never such a committed advocate for workers' rights and he served as a Union Shop Steward for more than a decade.  Among his most prized and memorable works, was assisting with the World Trade Center Twin Towers, the Javits Center and Juilliard School of Music.

Patrick wore his Irish heritage with pride, and was a man of deep faith and dedication to his community.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Huntersland Volunteer Fire Department and a Communicant of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Middleburgh. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, he found great peace in stewarding God's land.  He was also a lifelong supporter of Notre Dame football, the New York Mets and the Buffalo Bills.

And as full and rich a life as he had, nothing can compare to the day that truly changed him, spiritually and as a person on March 27, 1967 when he married Bridget Kelly.  Facing all of that life can throw at two people, their love, their faith and their devotion to each other and to God brought them 58 incredible years.  Bridget brought out the very best inside Patrick and that will live forever with her undying love for him, along with the beautiful family they raised together.

Along with Bridget, sharing Patrick's love are his sons: Andrew (Susan) Gilchrist of Cobleskill and Patrick (Jennifer) Gilchrist Jr. of Norwalk, CT; his grandchildren: Aidan, Connor, Ryan, Brendan and Keira Gilchrist; and his half-sisters: Anne and Christine.

All are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00AM on Friday, June 6, 2025 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. Main Street, Middleburgh.  Burial with Military Honors will follow in Middleburgh Cemetery. An open visitation with Patrick's family will be held at the church from 10:00-11:00AM on Friday morning before the Mass.

Patrick's family requests memorial donations in his honor be sent to the Huntersland Volunteer Fire Department, 1337 Huntersland Road, Middleburgh, NY 12122

Huntersland Volunteer Fire Dept.
1337 Huntersland Road, Middleburgh NY 12122