Mr. Patrick John McGroarty

Patrick J. McGroarty joined the kingdom of heaven on April 15, 2014 at his home in Altamonte Springs in the care of his family and Vitas Hospice. Pat was born to James A. and Regina Rafferty McGroarty on October 21, 1931 in Pittsburgh, PA. Upon graduation from Christian Brothers Academy, he enlisted in the United States Navy. During the Korean War, Pat served on the USS Kite, a minesweeper operating in Korean waters. In the fall of 1953 he was transferred to Submarine Services. Pat was a member of the commissioning crew of the USS Albacore, an experimental submarine, based at Portsmouth, NH. Pat enjoyed telling stories of his travels and travails aboard the Albacore to family, friends and strangers as well. He married Carole Mae Pitcairn of Pittsburgh on September 1, 1956. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Accounting, he began his corporate career with Arthur Andersen Associates in Pittsburgh. In 1963, Pat accepted employment with Rexall Drug and Chemical Company in Stanford, CT. In 1966, Pat joined Syroco Home Decor in Syracuse, NY residing in Westvale. In the fall of 1980, he moved to Orlando and began employment with Tupperware International where he travelled to Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Venezuela. After his retirement in 1989, Pat served on the Board of Directors for Spring Lake Hills Association and volunteered as a Tax Aide for AARP until 2010. He greatly enjoyed helping people with their taxes. Pat was also active in his church, St Mary Magdalen. He was a sacristan and Eucharistic Minister as well as manning the Popcorn Booth at the Fall Festival for many years. Pat is survived by his wife, Carole, daughters Elizabeth Jones, Karen (Brian) Smith, Megan Watts, and son Patrick S. (Heather): grandchildren Alyssa, Brendan and Christian Jones, Kyle Watts, Maddy and Abby McGroarty, and his great grandson, Patrick Watts, his namesake. A memorial mass will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 861 Maitland Avenue, Altamonte Spring, FL on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations for either Vitas Hospice, 2201 Lucien Way, Maitland, FL 32751 or to Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751. (407) 695-CARE(2273).

Mr. Patrick John McGroarty

October 21, 1931 - April 15, 2014