Patrick Butler Deery

“UNCOMMON VALOR

WAS A COMMON VIRTUE”

Born in Toronto, Canada, on December 12th, 1947

Passed peacefully in his sleep at the VA Hospital in Miami, Florida, on August 21st, 2026

* Funeral Details

On November 6th, the Funeral Procession begins at 11:00 AM at a chapel located at 100 Douglas Road, Pembroke Pines, Florida. From there, we will line up for the funeral procession and travel 44 miles to the cemetery. We will be led by Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association member Rick Freihofer, a dear friend of Pat’s and fellow Vietnam Veteran. Several members from Central Florida of both the Combat Veterans and Patriot Guard Riders, along with dozens of members of both organizations from local chapters, will guard and honor Patrick to his final resting place. They will be traveling both in front of and behind us on their motorcycles with American Flags flying proudly in honor of his military service and sacrifice. Please consider joining us; it may just be the most patriotic, memorable ride of your life.

Patrick’s final destination will be the South Florida National Cemetery located at 6501 S. State Road 7, Lake Worth, Florida 33449. We will arrive around 12:00 PM, at which time the motorcycle riders accompanying us will ride through and dismount near the designated pavilion. They will be holding their flags along the route as we drive to the pavilion where the service will be held.

We have been assigned Lane 4, and we will arrive around 12:00 PM. If you choose not to ride with the funeral procession from Pembroke Pines, you will need to fall in line behind the last car after we arrive with the funeral procession. From there we will all be lead to the pavilion where we will park. The Air Force Honor Guard will be waiting at attention for us there. Within moments, they will perform Patrick’s service.

After the service, we will gather to celebrate Patrick’s life and spirit at Murphy’s Grill, an Irish Pub just 2 miles south of the cemetery, located at 8240 FL-7

Boynton Beach, FL 33472. Refreshments will be provided. I will need a head count for those who wish to attend his celebration of life so the restaurant can prepare. So please give me a yes in the comments if you are able to attend.

* A Life of Service, Adventure, Friendship, and Love

Patrick Deery lived a remarkable life, filled with adventure, service, enduring friendships, and a love that lasted more than 44 years. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, loyal brother, proud veteran, and friend to hundreds. He lived life on his own terms, faced its greatest challenges with extraordinary resilience, and maintained a positive attitude until the very end.

Patrick is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra, his children, Edith and Patrick Deery Jr., his daughter-in-law, Jaimie, and his cherished grandchildren, Averi and Laci, who brought him immeasurable joy. He is also survived by his brothers, Stanis Deery and his wife, Jackie, Michael Deery and his wife, Brenda, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and hundreds of amazing friends whose lives were richer for knowing him.

And with deep regards, Patrick’s parents were Lt. Col. Stanislaus Joseph Deery II (Bud) and Ormonde Butler Deery (Ormie). He truly loved, respected, and missed both of them.

* A Life of Adventure and Lasting Friendships

Patrick’s journey began in Toronto, Canada, and took him as a young boy to Caracas, Venezuela, before leading him as a young man to the beautiful island of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. His years in the islands were filled with sunshine, fun, wonderful experiences, and friendships that would endure throughout his life.

His education started at Escuela Primaria Superior "Campo Alegre"

International school in Caracas, Venezuela, Antilles School in ST Thomas, Virgin Islands, Eastern Military Academy, and Riverside Military Academy in the States, as well as Colegio San Justo in Puerto Rico.

After completing his military service, Patrick returned home to work alongside his father at Deery and Sons. The loss of his father shortly after was a profound one, but Patrick carried forward the family name with pride and forged his own extraordinary path.

St. Thomas always held a special place in Patrick’s heart. The friendships he built there were lifelong, and the mark he left on the island was indelible. More than 55 years ago, Patrick was a founding member of St. Thomas Rescue, an organization that continues to protect the community he loved. His legacy of service to the island lives on through the lives it continues to touch.

* A Proud Air Force Veteran

Patrick proudly joined the United States Air Force. He served in the Office of Special Investigations during the Vietnam War, both in Washington, D.C., and Vietnam, where he completed three tours of duty. His military service was a defining chapter of his life and a testament to his courage, commitment, and willingness to serve his country.

The lasting physical cost of that service was immense. Over the years, Patrick endured seven different types of cancer, a brain metastasis from one of those cancers, and serious heart disease, plus countless other maladies. Yet, time and again, he fought his way through challenges that would have overwhelmed most people.

He truly was a man with nine lives.

Through it all, Patrick’s positive attitude and determination remained with him. Even in the face of extraordinary adversity, he continued to embrace life with the spirit and resilience that had carried him through so many adventures.

* A Love That Lasted a Lifetime

After moving to the mainland United States in his early 30s, Patrick met the woman who would become the love of his life. He wasted little time asking Sandra to marry him, and together they began a journey that would span more than 44 years.

Their marriage was a partnership built on love, devotion, shared dreams, and the countless experiences of a life lived together. Sandra supported Patrick’s ambitions, stood beside him through life’s challenges, and shared in the adventures that took him around the world to more than 150 countries.

* His Final Journey — A Tribute to a Patriot

Patrick’s final journey, taking place on November 6, 2026, is a very special date that would have marked his and Sandra’s 45th wedding anniversary.

On this deeply meaningful day, Patrick will be laid to rest, honoring both his service to his country and the extraordinary love story he and Sandra shared for more than four decades that will never be diminished by his passing.

* A Legacy That Lives On

Patrick Deery was a man of many chapters: an Irish/Canadian/St Thomian/American boy whose life took him across the world , an islander whose friendships endured a lifetime, a proud Air Force veteran, a successful international businessman, a devoted family man, and a fighter who refused to give up.

He leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years or accomplishments alone. It lives in the community he helped protect in St. Thomas, the family he loved, the grandchildren who brought him joy, the friendships he nurtured around the world, and the countless people who were fortunate enough to call him a friend.

Above all, Patrick will be remembered for his resilience, his adventurous spirit, his enduring love, and his positive attitude in the face of life’s greatest challenges. He met adversity with courage, and left this world having made a lasting difference.

May Patrick Deery rest in peace, honored for his service, remembered for his remarkable life, and forever loved by the many people whose lives he touched.

Until we meet again, Patrick. Your journey is complete, but your legacy and the love you leave behind will live on.