Bro. Patrick Michael McNally, FSC, 87, known affectionately as Bro. Pat, departed this world on Sept. 5, 2024, in Neptune Township, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and an indomitable spirit that touched the lives of all who knew him.
Born on June 5, 1937, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, to James Nelson McNally II and Marie Elizabeth McNally (nee: Baker), Bro. Pat was the fourth oldest of six siblings in a vibrant, Irish Catholic family. His siblings, Judge James N. McNally III, Judge Gerald A. McNally, Thomas William McNally, Mary Katherine (McNally) Hart, and Carolyn Ann (McNally) LaForest, all preceded him in death, leaving Bro. Pat to carry on the family's legacy of service and love.
Bro. Pat's life was one marked by a deep commitment to his calling. Deciding at a young age to join the Christian Brothers, he modeled his life after their French founder, Saint Jean-Baptiste de la Salle. He entered the religious life in 1956, dedicating 68 years to the brotherhood, a testament to his unwavering faith and devotion.
Bro. Pat, a St. Joseph’s High School alumnus from the Class of 1955, became a Christian Brother in 1956, and initially taught at De La Salle during the 1964-65 school year when St. Joe’s closed. After a stint working for the province, he returned to De La Salle in 2002. He became the Director of Alumni Relations for St. Joe’s alumni, and ran De La Salle’s Wig and Mask Society, along with being an advisor for the Christian Brothers Auxiliary and acting as vocations coordinator for the Christian Brothers. A scholarship was established in Bro. Pat’s name in 2005 to honor his boundless energy and support of the school.
His educational journey was entwined with his vocation, and through it, he found his passion for the arts. At De La Salle Collegiate High School, Bro. Pat was known for producing the school’s plays and musicals that not only entertained, but also inspired. His love for show tunes and musicals was infectious, and he brought joy to countless audiences over the years. Bro. Pat's commitment to his students extended far beyond the classroom. Even after retirement, he cherished the time spent with them and maintained close relationships with many alumni, spanning several decades.
Bro. Pat had a very special passion for show tunes, especially anything that involved Rodgers and Hammerstein; hence, his extreme love for the DLS musicals. Whenever the DLS musical season began, Bro. Pat went into full gear as producer and coordinator of the DLS plays. He worked meticulously for months, wanting to make sure that every detail was perfected before the curtain was opened on opening night.
Bro. Pat's interests reached far beyond his immediate surroundings. A lover of domestic and international travel, he relished in the experiences of exploring new cultures and landscapes. His journeys took him to the far corners of the world, including Hawaii, Alaska, Australia, Ireland, and Italy. Each trip was a chapter in his book of life, filled with stories and memories that he would fondly recount.
When Bro. Pat’s nieces and nephews were younger, Bro. Pat enjoyed spending most holidays and every summer up at Higgins Lake at the family cottage. Many extended relatives would also make the trip up whenever they could. Enjoying the peacefulness and tranquility of the summer lake was something the entire McNally family cherished, whenever they were able to get away for a little rest and relaxation.
Those who knew Bro. Pat would describe him as faith-filled, kind, and spirited. He lived his life as a testament to these virtues, guiding others with gentle wisdom and an open heart. His presence was a source of comfort and inspiration, and his impact on the world is immeasurable.
The final years of his life were spent in the serene environment of De La Salle Hall in Lincroft, New Jersey, where he continued to share his wisdom and laughter with those around him.
Bro. Pat is survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, and cousins, who will carry forward the light of his spirit. He was also the very special friend of Earl (dec.) and Joan Mossner, with whom he shared many cherished moments.
In his passing, Bro. Pat leaves behind not just memories but a palpable sense of joy and love that will continue to resonate within the lives of those he touched. His journey on Earth may have concluded, but the stories of his kindness, his laughter, and his unwavering faith will continue to be told, ensuring that his spirit lives on forever.
A funeral Mass took place Sept. 15 at St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic Church, 1401 Whittier Rd., Grosse Pointe Park. Interment followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit.
Memorial donations in Bro. Pat’s honor are appreciated to the St. Joe’s Alumni Association and De La Salle Collegiate High School, 14600 Common Rd., Warren, MI 48088.
Obituaries for clergy and religious who have lived or served in the Archdiocese of Detroit may be emailed to [email protected]. Obituaries are printed as they are submitted, but may be edited for grammar and style. Detroit Catholic reserves the right to refuse or edit any submissions.
Copy Permalink
