Patrick G. Cawley, 83, of West Pittston, passed away Sunday, March 13, at Wilkes Barre General Hospital, following a brief illness. His wife of 57 years, Barbara Hudak Cawley, preceded him in death in June 2019.
Born in Scranton, Pat was the son of the late Joseph and Margaret McHale Cawley. A 1956 graduate of Saint Patrick’s High School, Scranton, he went on to receive both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Scranton. Patrick also earned a second master’s degree from Temple University.
Pat was a teacher, coach, Dean of Students, Principal and Assistant Superintendent for the Wyoming Area School district, as well as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Federal Programs Coordinator for the Diocese of Scranton. His dedication to his craft bettered the lives of countless children locally and across the state. His commitment to providing quality education to students in public and parochial schools is a testament to his character and his compassion.
He was a man of strong faith. A good Irish Catholic and a member of Corpus Christi Parish, West Pittston.
His life was truly blessed with love, loyalty and friendship. Pat loved his family and enjoyed every holiday and family reunion spent laughing, sharing memories and making new ones. He cherished his friendships and was loyal through and through whether they were pals from his childhood or those made through the years. He looked forward to their get-togethers, card games and chats on the phone.
Pat’s passion for life extended far beyond the classroom. He was an avid sports fan. Followed sports in every season. Baseball was consumed by the Phillies, football by the Pittsburgh Steelers. His love for college sports included Penn State and Notre Dame football and Syracuse and Villanova basketball.
March Madness was also a favorite time of year in the Cawley House. In recent years, as his eyesight declined, his family became expert play-by-play announcers including his wife Barbara.
Pat is survived by his daughter, Eileen and his son, Patrick, both of West Pittston; sister, Sarellen McAndrew, Virginia; brother, James “Slick” Cawley and wife, Maureen; sister-in-law, Kathy Cawley; brother-in-law, Lewis Conrad, all of Scranton; nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Barbara, he was preceded in death by his brother, J. Gaynor Cawley; sister, Linda Conrad and brother-in-law, Andrew McAndrew.
A private family gathering will begin at 9:15 a.m. at the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m., at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, 1605 Oram Street Scranton, until the time of the service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be con-celebrated on Saint Patrick’s Day, Thursday, March 17, at 12 noon by Msgr. John Sempa and Rev. Richard Fox. Interment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 262 Railroad Avenue, West Scranton 18505-1041.
Memorial contributions may be made to Social Concerns, Corpus Christi Parish, 605 Luzerne Avenue, West Pittston, PA 18643 or Friends of the Poor, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
