Nassau County mourns the loss of Patrick Sabadie

December 31, 2020

Editor’s Note: Anyone who came into contact with Patrick Sabadie felt his deep and abiding love of community. As one of the early organizers of the Boys and Girls Clubs in Nassau County,  Nassau County owes Patrick a great deal of thanks for his efforts.  We send our condolences to the Sabadie family.

Commander Patrick Alfonso Sabadie passed away in his home on December 26 after a 22-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Patrick is survived by his wife of 51 years, Suzy, son Erik and his wife Kim, son Mark, and sister, Francisca Sabadie and her husband Rob. He also had two loving grandchildren: Alex and Nick. He was preceded in death by his father Alfonso, his mother Margaret, and an infant brother.

Patrick graduated from the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, in 1968. He served his country in the Vietnam War, and ultimately retired from the Navy in 1990 as Commander. During his 23 years in the Navy, Patrick served on the USS Richard L Page, USS Patterson, and USS W.S. SIMS. Go Navy Beat Army. In addition to serving his family and his country, Patrick had a passion for serving others. When son Mark was born with Spina Bifida, Patrick became involved in the Local & National chapters of the Spina Bifida Association, including serving as President of the Spina Bifida Association of America for 3 years.

Patrick was instrumental in founding two Boys & Girls Clubs and was very involved with St Michael’s Catholic Church while living in Amelia Island, FL. Patrick was steadfast, prioritizing his family and faith regardless of life’s circumstances. He lived his life according to his favorite saying: “you play the game with the hand you’re dealt”.

Patrick was respected and admired by all who had the good fortune to meet him. He loved his time with Suzy (traveling the globe & going to the movies), his friends (enjoying a Yuengling Beer, playing a game of Racquetball, or listening to some Aaron Neville), and his time alone (smoking his pipe and sipping a wee dram of Scotch, while poring over Excel Spreadsheets and family finance ledgers). One thing is certain – we hit the lottery with this exceptional man in our life.

A funeral mass will be held at St Vincent de Paul on Monday, January 4 at 10am. Following the mass, Patrick will be entombed in the family mausoleum at Pinnacle Memorial Gardens.

Published in The Times-Picayune from Dec. 30, 2020 to Jan. 4, 2021.