Patrick Rohan
November 20, 2016
PATRICK KELLEY ROHAN
Gainesville, FL
Patrick Kelley ‘Pat’ Rohan, 60, passed away peacefully at home early Sunday morning, November 20, 2016. He was born on April 17, 1956 in Miami, Florida to William and Vivienne Rohan. He had a very happy childhood with many memories fishing off the causeway to Key Biscayne. He was not only a great brother to his siblings, he became ‘dad’ to the younger ones after his father passed away when he was 15. He met Katie Davison ‘the girl around the corner’ on a horseback riding trip the day before they started their senior year of High School. He graduated from Archbishop Curley High School, Miami Dade Community College and attended the University of Florida. He and Katie were married in June, 1978 and he started his 35-year career with the Postal Service in Miami. Following the birth of their son, Pat transferred to Gainesville and moved his family in January, 1982. Over the next 10 years he and Katie welcomed 3 more sons and 2 daughters, and he would proudly state that ‘we are the richest family in the world’. He spent over 30 years as ‘Postman Pat’ in the Duckpond neighborhood adjacent to Northeast Park. He was loved by so many on his route who considered him part of their family, as well as all of his fellow letter carriers and clerks. He was ‘Papa Ro’ to numerous young people that came to the house over the years, mentoring them and making them feel that they mattered and were loved. He had a tremendous faith in the Lord and passed that faith on to family and friends. When he was diagnosed with lung cancer in February, 2012, he told everyone that he was okay because he had placed everything in God’s hands. He retired from the Post Office in Sept., 2013 and started attending daily Mass with his brother and reciting the Rosary every morning. He radiated love in his eyes and was so thankful to God for each day.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Francis Rohan. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, his best friend and love of his life Catherine (Katie) Rohan. Sons Patrick Thomas (Alicia) of St. Petersburg, Daniel Kelley (Lindsay) of Gainesville, Bryan Joseph of Gainesville and Michael Anthony (Maidelys) of St. Petersburg. Daughters Laura Ann of Gainesville and Grace Elizabeth of Orlando. Granddaughters Harlow Ocean Rohan and Lucy Grace Rohan, and he was excited to soon welcome 2 additional grandchildren to the family. Mother Vivienne (Vicky) Rohan of Gainesville. Sister Rae Conroy (Timothy) of Gainesville. Brothers William of Gainesville, Malcolm (Lynn) of Miami, Timothy (Christine Greenaway) of Fruitland Park; John(Kristine) of The Villages and Paul (Beth) of Ponte Vedra. Numerous nephews, nieces and cousins, and Tom Sanz and Tim Gorman who he referred to as his ‘brothers’. The family will hold a Memorial Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 500 NE 16th Avenue, Gainesville on Sunday, November 27th at 4:00 pm. A reception and celebration of Pat’s life will follow immediately after in the church social hall. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church and Haven Hospice.
Gainesville, FL
Patrick Kelley ‘Pat’ Rohan, 60, passed away peacefully at home early Sunday morning, November 20, 2016. He was born on April 17, 1956 in Miami, Florida to William and Vivienne Rohan. He had a very happy childhood with many memories fishing off the causeway to Key Biscayne. He was not only a great brother to his siblings, he became ‘dad’ to the younger ones after his father passed away when he was 15. He met Katie Davison ‘the girl around the corner’ on a horseback riding trip the day before they started their senior year of High School. He graduated from Archbishop Curley High School, Miami Dade Community College and attended the University of Florida. He and Katie were married in June, 1978 and he started his 35-year career with the Postal Service in Miami. Following the birth of their son, Pat transferred to Gainesville and moved his family in January, 1982. Over the next 10 years he and Katie welcomed 3 more sons and 2 daughters, and he would proudly state that ‘we are the richest family in the world’. He spent over 30 years as ‘Postman Pat’ in the Duckpond neighborhood adjacent to Northeast Park. He was loved by so many on his route who considered him part of their family, as well as all of his fellow letter carriers and clerks. He was ‘Papa Ro’ to numerous young people that came to the house over the years, mentoring them and making them feel that they mattered and were loved. He had a tremendous faith in the Lord and passed that faith on to family and friends. When he was diagnosed with lung cancer in February, 2012, he told everyone that he was okay because he had placed everything in God’s hands. He retired from the Post Office in Sept., 2013 and started attending daily Mass with his brother and reciting the Rosary every morning. He radiated love in his eyes and was so thankful to God for each day.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Francis Rohan. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, his best friend and love of his life Catherine (Katie) Rohan. Sons Patrick Thomas (Alicia) of St. Petersburg, Daniel Kelley (Lindsay) of Gainesville, Bryan Joseph of Gainesville and Michael Anthony (Maidelys) of St. Petersburg. Daughters Laura Ann of Gainesville and Grace Elizabeth of Orlando. Granddaughters Harlow Ocean Rohan and Lucy Grace Rohan, and he was excited to soon welcome 2 additional grandchildren to the family. Mother Vivienne (Vicky) Rohan of Gainesville. Sister Rae Conroy (Timothy) of Gainesville. Brothers William of Gainesville, Malcolm (Lynn) of Miami, Timothy (Christine Greenaway) of Fruitland Park; John(Kristine) of The Villages and Paul (Beth) of Ponte Vedra. Numerous nephews, nieces and cousins, and Tom Sanz and Tim Gorman who he referred to as his ‘brothers’. The family will hold a Memorial Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 500 NE 16th Avenue, Gainesville on Sunday, November 27th at 4:00 pm. A reception and celebration of Pat’s life will follow immediately after in the church social hall. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church and Haven Hospice.
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Mr. Patrick, was such a nice, helpful and lovable person. He brought plenty if smiles to the faces of my girls and myself, they lit up whenever they saw him and he always talked to them and let them visit with Leah, we love him and will miss him dearly!!!
It is a regrettable news of the death of Patrick . I remember him as a young man in elementary and high school. Through the years I had lost track of him. I would like to send my condolences to the Rohan family.
It has been a long time since I last saw Pat but will always be grateful for the memories of one of the nicest people I have ever known. Pat helped us feel like a closer family when together and gave me a cherished feeling of home whenever we were together in my college years in Gainesville. It will be a great reunion in the next life. Much love to all my Rohan family
Katie and family : Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cousin Pat, I will miss you very much. It was so much fun to grow up in Miami with you and your family. Then to be in Gainesville together while Ken went through law school. You and the rest of the Gainesville Rohans made our life then so happy and filled with fun. I know that you are in a better place with all of our loved ones who have gone before. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for being such a great cousin! Love you, Cousin Susie
Pat was a popular Letter Carrier with his brother and sister Carriers. Always a beaming smile and positive attitude. He will be missed.
Our hearts and prayers are with you as your loved one is honored for the life he lived. We can attest to Mr. Pat’s, and your loving family’s welcoming nature as our son Patrick "Pat" is accepted as one of your very own. We are forever grateful for you, Rohan family.
Katie, your love was an inspiration to Rick and me. In church, every Sunday we saw each other from decades ago, the love between you two was radiating through the church. I love you and your family and will be helping Sunday. God Bless.
Dear Katie and Family, Deepest condolences as you manage this life without your soul mate. Rest assured that Pat is with you. Jesus told us that love never fails, never dies. He is with you and your beautiful family, living in your hearts and minds until physically reunited in God’s Kingdom. God bless and sustain you until that glorious reunion. Love and prayers to all, xo, Love, Stephanie and George
A Great man that will be truly missed by his family & all that he touched. My deepest sympathies to Katie, Grace and his other Children & grandchildren.
What a wonderful man! Beverly & I will always be connected to Pat & Katie through our son Jody & their son Pat, but also by the fact that we got married on the same day 38 years ago as they did. What a great day for all! Our condolences go out to the extended Rohan family as they know Pat is in a better place and we know the world is a little sadder today without Pat here
Watch me from above my brother. You live in my heart always.
Dear Pat, Mike my condoléances and love to you and your Family Peace Erika
Katie and family, so sorry for your loss. He was a blessing to so many.
Katie and family, So sorry to hear about your loss. I have many fond memories of Patrick, you, and your beautiful family. I know he will be dearly missed. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
To Tim and Chris, and all your family. I am so sorry for your loss of your Brother. I am sure you will be missed by all! Bob Hand
My condolences and prayer s to the family. A very friendly and life loving man, I met at the Downtown Post Office, and a pleasure to work with!
Katie you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We still see Pat’s smile and hear his laugh Marcia and Jim
He will be missed by many!
We loved Pat and the entire Rohan/Davison family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My love for Pat, my Jose’, and this family is unending. The amazing faith he shared with all of us is what provides comfort in these times and I know we will continue to love and comfort each other.
So many great memories with Pat and his older brothers (sorry Rae, you were just "baby sister") growing up in Miami and going to school together. Pat was loved by so many; the true measure of a life well lived. You are all in our prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. He will dearly be missed……
Very Sorry for your Loss
Love and Blessings to all, from the St.Pierre Family
Prayers & Blessings!
My prayers for the Rohan family. I was honored to work at the Downtown Post Office with Pat. I loved seeing him ride his bike to work. What a great guy . He will be dearly missed.
sorry for you loss, a good man down..
We pray for peace for the family.
Pat was such a beautiful person. I remember feeling so safe when he was around. He was so caring to everyone around him. Always kind and honorable. I am so grateful for the times spent with him and all his family. Katie, I am so sorry for your loss. He will always be an inspiration to live a life of kindness. Much love, Rosanne (cousin)
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Katy and entire rohan family pat was a dear friend and will be missed by anyone who ever met him with deep personal loss he will be remembered always
Go in peace Pat.
Katy and entire rohan family pat was a dear friend and will be missed by anyone who ever met him with deep personal loss he will be remembered always
Saint Pat
We extend sincere and heartfelt condolences to the entire Rohan Family. We know that all of you will miss him so much. Knowing he is at peace and home with God is a comfort to you all. Much love , from Dorothy Parente and Family.
I’m so sorry to hear about Patrick’s passing. Your family will be in my prayers.
Me like so many many others in Gainesville will miss that wonderful smile. I was blessed to call him FRIEND.
So much love and so many prayers going your way.
Prayers and blessing to one of the most beautiful families I have ever met. It has been a blessing knowing all of you. RIP Pat
Katie & family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I have known your family for many a year. I started at St Patrick’s in 1973. I pray for everyone to be given the gift of: strength, hope, courage and love, in this time of sorrow and pain. Remember, you now have a Guardian Angel, waiting for you! 😊😇 You are in my PRAYERS and THOUGHTS, Jo-Ann +
Pat was a wonderful man, and an adopted father to many….I’ve known him since I was little and he was loved very much…..he will be greatly missed. God bless the entire Rohan family through this very hard and was time. Our prayers are with you all… we love you q
We are so sorry for your loss Rohan family! May you find peace in the days to come. Peace be with you all
Pat will be missed. He will be in our prayers.
"Grief is Love.. With no place to go…" We are so sorry to hear this sad news about such a loving man. Heaven has embraced a new angel.
My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family as you grieve the loss of such a kind and gentle man. As his brother Bill said, there is a new angel in heaven. St. Patrick’s has lost a wonderful and faith filled parishioner.
May the wonderful family memories of Pat that fill your heart bring comfort. WE know you will miss him dearly. Our love to you all, Uncle Neil and Aunt Nancy
I am so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. He was a wonderful man, his life was such a blessing to all who knew him. We are keeping the Rohan clan in our prayers. love, Tricia and John
I knew Pat for a little over 3 years. He was always at rosary and mass during the week. He was always such a bright light. Quiet man but you always knew he was there. Grand soul and I know he is watching over us now from his place in heaven. Pat hope you have you backpack and hat on because that’s my memory of you and your smiling face. Rest In Peace
So many great memories of Bill Pat and Mac long ago. Rest In Peace cousin.
His smile will shine on forever.
Papa Ro made everyone feel like they were family including myself. Cooked breakfast for his guests on the biggest electric griddle I had ever seen. Raised such kindhearted souls under his roof. Everyone of the Rohan’s are special to me. Papa Ro will be missed but is no longer in pain and I know that if any family can pull together and support each other they will. Keep the Papa Ro family traditions going. I love you all.
He will always be in our hearts and minds.
Postman Pat always brought happy conversation with our mail at a house he helped my young daughter name "The Museum Of Happiness". His kids were positive & productive students where I teach at Westwood Middle School. All honour and gratitude to the Rohan family for such a good man.
His smile will shine on forever.
How blessed I was to be able to call you my brother. You put a smile on my face everyday and love in my heart . I know you will always be with me showing me the way to continue your legacy of loving your fellow man , family and most importantly our Lord. God bless and have a "Naddy with the Daddy". Love and miss you so much Rae
Katie and the Rohan crew, I am so very sorry to learn of Pat’s passing. He was a great guy and the world will be a missing his smile. Our family has known Pat pretty much since he moved to Gainesville, and I know there are many shared memories from both church and family functions. One of the best things about being home on leave was sitting on the porch of my parents house when everyone else was at work or school, simply enjoying the quiet, and then having Pat come walking up the street delivering the mail. I always got a hug and a big smile from him and got caught up on Rohan news. He got caught up on Miller news, although he usually knew what was happening. Those hugs and smiles were another part of what made Gainesville home. My heart aches for all of you as you face this loss, and I know that your faith and family will help you through it. Please know that my prayers are with you in this difficult time, and I am sending love out to you. Peace be with you.