Obituary – Patrick Leighton Has Passed Away, Cause Of Death – Patrick Joseph Leighton, Uncle Patrick, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his mom and family on Friday, April 8, 2022. He was born Feb. 12, 1969, to Ann Marie Nancy and the late Jack Leighton. Patrick and his mom shared their home with a loving mother-son relationship that was second to none.
Patrick was a special person, not because of his Down syndrome or handicap, but because of his smiley personality, his genuine liking of everyone he met, and the number of friends he had. He had friends from many different generations and not an enemy, a claim few could make. He especially enjoyed attending sporting events over the years, watching his brothers, sister, nephews, nieces, and friends participate. He was a true sports fan, especially enjoying Notre Dame football, Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. Patrick loved every family gathering, especially family weddings; always the first on the dance floor and the last to leave.
He attended Mackin Elementary School, E.L. Meyers High School, graduating from Coughlin High School, Class of 1990. He received a standing ovation from his classmates while on stage to receive his diploma. Patrick joined the workforce following graduation working at URS, UCP, Keystone, and Creating Unlimited Possibilities (C.U.P.) until March 2020, when the pandemic closed his workplaces.
Patrick was honored to be named the Grand Marshall of the City of Wilkes-Barre 2004 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. He cherished this honor, participating each year as a past Grand Marshall, including this March in the 2022 parade. He was a former member of St. Therese’s Church, Wilkes-Barre, until its closing and was, at the time of his passing, a member of St. Nicholas Church, Wilkes-Barre.
He is survived and will be missed by his mother and best friend, Nancy; sister, Patti and brother-in-law, Bob; brother, John, and sister-in-law, Ellie; brother, Tom and sister-in-law, Patty; and brother, Brian, and sister-in-law, Maura.
He had many loving nieces and nephews, Kelly (Tim Smith); Tom Jr. (Maureen); Courtney (Tom Coyle); Lauren; Ashley; Brian Jr.; and Jaclyn Leighton; and one great-nephew, Keegan Smith; and aunt, Sister Thomas Mary Dougherty IHM and his uncle, Tom Dougherty, Dunmore. Patrick also leaves behind so many friends who became family and ultimately called him “Uncle Patrick.”
The celebration of Patrick’s life will be in the Church of St. Nicholas, 226 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre. The visitation is scheduled for 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. A Livestream will be available on the parish Facebook page:
