It is with great sadness that the family of Patrick announces his passing on September 6, 2022 in his 98th year. Pat was a member of one of London’s oldest Irish families. He was predeceased by his wife Shirley (née Dickenson) in 1999; his youngest son, David, in 1981; grandson Stephen in 2021; his parents Joseph and Jean (née Fortnum) Reidy; his brothers John, Joseph, Kenneth, Donald and William; and his sisters Jean, Madeline, Violet, and Margaret. Dear father of Brian, Carol, Wayne, Diannia (Chris Pinnell) and Joseph (Becky). Grandfather of Shawn (Suzanne), Kimberley, Brent (Joninne), Patrick (Jessica), Wade (Kara), Luke and Franciline. Great-grandfather of Kyle, Dawson, Sydney, Kaleb, Quintin, Nevaeh, Ryleigh, Kellen, Oakleigh, Stephen Jr., Grayson, Liam, Grace, Alexander and Holly. Dearly missed by his best friend, Margaret Chambers and the mother of grandchildren Stephen Jr. and Grace, Christina.
It is said the greatest of virtues are: “Love of God and Love of Country.” Pat’s love for them both had no ending. An ardent Catholic, Pat was of St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica with his Irish family’s membership dating back to 1854. Pat was a proud Irish Canadian, being a Veteran of World War 2 and the Korean War, having gone overseas in 1942 at the age of 17. He saw service in England, France (Normandy), Belgium, Holland and Germany, returning to Canada in October 1945. By order of the President of the Republic of France, Pat was awarded the rank of Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour. This distinction is the highest national honour of France. It is awarded in recognition of personal involvement in the liberation of France during World War 2. Pat saw further service overseas in Korea and Japan from 1951-52. He was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion and a Legion member for more than 70 years. He was a life member of the R.C.R. Association, as well as a life member of the former Letter Carrier’s Union of Canada.
Pat was an active member of the Memory Project from its inception, and was an active speaker at all levels in the education field, service clubs, and other organizations. Pat’s love for the Dutch Canada community was well-known and he took great pride in being an active participant in many of their functions honouring Canadian War Veterans. Pat was also a friend of Bill Wilson and actively pursued that friendship for well over 60 years.
Family and friends will be received at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Legion Memorial Service will be conducted by the Royal Canadian Legion on September 8, 2022 at 6:45 p.m. Funeral Mass to be conducted at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica, 196 Dufferin Avenue, London, on Friday, September 9, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. with interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery, London.
Donations for those who wish may be made to the Victory Legion Poppy Fund in Pat’s memory.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Patrick Reidy September 6 2022..
Death notice for the town of: London, Province: Ontario