Patrick Edward McVay

Patrick Edward McVay

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Patrick Edward McVay, age 72, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Johnstown, died at Tremont Health and Rehabilitation Center in Tremont on Monday, March 11, 2019.  Patrick was born on Friday, January 10, 1947 in Johnstown to the late Peter Joseph McVay, Sr. and Eulalia Marie (Trexel) McVay.  In addition to his parents, Patrick is preceded in death by his three brothers, his three sisters and several of his beloved dogs who were waiting for him across the rainbow bridge and who greeted him joyfully.

Patrick’s survivors include his wife of 45 years, Dorcas Arlene (Hoffman) McVay; his two brothers: Peter “Pete” McVay, Jr. of Elk Grove, IL and Robert “Bob” McVay of Troy, OH; his sister: Barbara “Barb” McCarthy of Coraopolis, PA; and his beloved beagle, Nash.

Patrick graduated from California University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.  He was a proud United States Air Force Veteran who enlisted and served for six years with two tours in Vietnam.  Patrick belonged to a Vietnam Veterans support group and was the founder and organizer of a Vietnam Veterans breakfast group.  He cherished the time spent with his fellow veterans.  Patrick was a kind of man who volunteered at a crisis hotline and whose stated goal in life was to, “bring a smile to people’s faces.”  He was extremely generous and known to be a healthy tipper as he constantly sought to recognize the effort of others.  Patrick was a talented and published writer who co-founded The Valley Log Newspaper based in Orbisonia in 1980.  His deep love of his dogs, especially his dachshunds, was well known.  They were a blessing in his life and he cherished his time with them.  He loved all things Irish which culminated in the trip of his lifetime to Ireland in 1998 with his beloved wife, Dorcas.  Naturally, St. Patrick’s Day was Patrick’s favorite day of the year and will now be a day that all who were lucky enough to have known him will smile as they remember his special life.

All are welcome to join Patrick’s family as they celebrate his life and love of St. Patrick’s Day at his Irish Wake style open house on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. until time of remembrance and storytelling at 1:00 p.m. at Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Celebrant George A. Spangler officiating.  Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA with Lay Minister Edward Tucker officiating and where military honors will be presented.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Patrick’s life can be made to Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111, www.HumaneSocietyHBG.org/Donate.

Patrick’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Patrick’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.