Patrick T. O’Donoghue of Southampton Dies February 9

Patrick T. O’Donoghue of Southampton died on February 9, 2024. He was 90.

He was born on the emerald peninsula of Greenore in County Louth, Ireland, to Tadhg and Kathleen O’Donoghue (nee Clarke).

He was an athlete all of his life. From kick the can to hurley to football to running, boxing and eventually to golf, his lifetime passion.

As a young man, he embarked on an adventure that would lead him across the Atlantic Ocean to the shores of the United States, where he would immigrate through Ellis Island and later settle on Eastern Long Island.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on September 5, 1957. His service began at Camp Hero in Montauk, and took him through Southeast Asia, Manila, and the Philippines during the Korean War. Stories of his experiences so far away were always highlighted by his humorous golf experiences and the twinkle in his eye. His courage, sacrifice, and zest for life were reflective of his generation; his service to the Air Force will be remembered with gratitude and honor.

After returning to Long Island, he began several businesses. He opened a bar, a mechanics garage, then Bowden Square Painting & Contractin,g and finally O’Donoghue Real Estate. He was handy, hardworking and could pivot toward success.

In 1969, he married Ellen Watson. They had three children during their 14 year marriage, Tara Godfrey (Scott Godfrey), Deirdre O’Donoghue and Patrick O’Donoghue (Jill Applin). They divorced in 1983.

In 1989, he married Joan Mallon (Foley). They enjoyed socializing with friends and golf club members at the Southampton Golf Club, where he held many championship titles over the years.

He found peace and joy on these fairways and greens, his family said. His love for the game was infectious, and he taught his children to play from the moment they could hold a club. Every Thursday, you could find him teeing off with his favorite foursome, sharing laughter, camaraderie, and the weekly friendly rivalry.

In his 90 years, he lived a life defined by hard work, humor, and resilience, his family said, noting that he faced life’s challenges with courage. His unwavering spirit and smiling Irish eyes, they said, inspired all who knew him. “Rest in peace, Pat. You will be loved forever,” his family said.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Nuala Cunningham; his step-daughter, Linda Bakalo; and his close cousin, Frank Clarke. He is survived by his wife Joan; his three children, Tara, Deirdre and Patrick; his step-children, Lex, Jude, Patti and Valerie; his brother, Matthew O’Donoghue and wife Ruth and their children Niamh O’Donoghue and Barry O’Donoghue; his sister, Sighle Conway and her children, Brona Ringland, Daire Jameson and Rory Conway; his nephew Emmet Cunningham; his grandchildren Ryan and Matthew Curtiss and Megan, Sean and Katherine Godfrey.

A funeral service with Air Force honors will be held on Friday, June 14, at 11 a.m. at Calverton National Cemetery.