Heather Drury   The Navy awarded Patrick Drury his wings posthumously. All I can think is, "Well now he has two sets."

 

Chris Smith   He'll use them both to watch over you. 

 

Heather Drury   Patrick, please respond. I can't sleep, I can’t eat. I keep dreaming you're still here. I keep dreaming that you're on some sort of stupid training thing and that you haven't had a chance to get to your phone. And on that note, I could scream. Why didn't you personalize your voicemail? Why do you have to be such a dude? I just want to hear your voice one last time.  Patrick, please!

 

Moe Finn   My heart feels for you during this difficult time. I am soooo sorry, Heather. No words can help, just know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

 

Moe Finn   (Bishop Ireton classmate)

I won’t forget Patrick’s contagious smile and wonderful sense of humor!  He was a true fan of EVERYONE he knew.  He was the ONE person I could always count on to respond on our class Facebook page.  Patrick had a way of making everyone feel included.  He will never be forgotten.  It was an honor to celebrate his life today.  I learned stories about him that I had not known.  I take away the lesson of living life to the fullest, and doing it for others.  Thank you, Pat for being you.

 

Alex Tucker (Virginia Tech classmate)       “Pat was my best friend. . .    I felt like we had been friends our whole lives. We used to find ourselves laughing at one another. . . It was that contagious smile he had. . . My best memories are with Pat.  I wouldn’t trade them for the world. . .   He was the funniest person I ever met, (and) the kindest. One minute he would be playing a prank, . . . and the next he would be giving you the shirt off his back.  No matter what the circumstance, he was always positive. Not once did I ever see him angry or upset. His personal objective every day was to make others happy (with) his positive attitude. Before I met Pat, I was often negative and would get upset over small things.  I learned from him that you can’t enjoy life like that. You have to be positive and happy and enjoy every minute, all while making others around you enjoy their time too. The best advice I could ever give someone is to live like Patrick:  Work hard, play hard; be happy, make others happy.  Alex”

 

Alex Tucker  I can say without a doubt that you are the best friend that I have ever had. I'm not good with speeches, and you know that. All I can say is that I miss you and I'm a better person because of you.

 

Mike Caporiccio  (Bishop Ireton classmate and "brother")    Pat wanted me to read the Ender Series back in high school. I finished the last book last night and it was a fitting ending to say the least.  "Even though Pat's soul lives on, as all souls live undying, the man we knew is gone from us. His body is gone, and whatever parts of his life and works we take with us, they aren't him any longer, they are ourselves, they are the Pat-within-us just as we also have other friends and teachers, fathers and mothers, lovers and children and siblings and even strangers within us, looking out at the world through our eyes and helping us determine what it all might mean. I see Pat in you looking out at me. You see Pat in me looking out at you. And yet none of us is truly him; we are each our own self, all of us strangers on our own road. We walked awhile on that road with Patrick Drury. He showed us things we might not otherwise have seen. But the road goes on without him now."  Children of the Mind- Orson Scott Card

 

Richard Caporiccio  (Mike’s father)

 May the angels take you into paradise: may the martyrs come to welcome you on your way, and lead you into the holy city, Jerusalem. May the choir of angels welcome you, and with Lazarus who once was poor, may you have everlasting rest.

 

Matt Dowden  (Bishop Ireton classmate and "brother" - written to Patrick)  Plenty of people can brighten up a room when they come in to it. But few can create such a shining beam of life and happiness as you. As you did with many of your friends and family, we said "I love you" often. Mostly used for jokes or embarrassment,I know that you know how much truth was behind it. I could write a book about you, and rt wouldn't do justice to even one glance at that infectious smile.  As I said in my thesis acknowledgements when referring to you and my other brothers, "These men have the ability to move worlds in my eyes, and I am proud to know each one of them. They and their families are part of who I am, crucial to my being, and are invalu­able to my future.''  Thank you for coming in to my life, and becoming a part of me forever. Dowdy, KKRJ....

  

Rick Dowden   (Matt’s dad)

We’ve known and loved Patrick since our sons met freshman year at Ireton.  He and Matt have been best friends since then.  Patrick was one of a kind, always smiling and accepting.  I can still see his broad smile whenever I greeted him.  Maria noted that Patrick was always the same, whether anyone was watching him or not.  I believe that is called character, and I always knew our son was better off when he was with Pat.  In our basement there are three rubber darts stuck with suction cups to the ceiling, two from Patrick’s gun, and one from Matt’s.  They have been there since the boys were in high school, and will remain there until they fall or the house is sold.  Seeing them brings a smile to our faces.  Patrick, may the road rise up to meet you, and until we meet again, may you be in the palm of God’s hand.

 

Frank Curry (Bishop Ireton classmate)

Pat was to me, quite literally, the definition of what a man should be.  Everyone agreed he was “the man.”  Pat was the guy who would go to a bar with a briefcase full of pokemon cards, fake tattoos, or a doll in a baby carrier.  He brought the fun.  He could convince you that it was not just a good idea to put a fluorescent green fake tattoo of a coiled snake on your face, it was a GREAT idea!  Pat was a far better man than I, a better friend than I, and the best human I have known.  I strive to be like him.

 

Frank Curry  I passed my Special Forces tryout, and am one step closer to becoming a Special Forces operator. Now I am going to go on a tangent, please bear with me. The Army Rangers have a tradition of 'the Airborne Ranger in the sky.' The Airborne Ranger in the Sky is the Ranger who has gone before us, and watches over us. We do one extra push-up for him, walk one extra mile or suck it up for that Airborne Ranger. We know that he has our six, and provides over watch in all that we do, keeping us safe and waiting for the day we will be reunited. Whenever things got tough in this course and I felt like quitting, I knew Pat was my Airborne Ranger in the Sky, guiding me into my objective.

 

Rory T O'Donnell  (USNA classmate, roommate, and friend) June 20, 2013 · . . . Some of you know, some of you don’t, but this week the world lost Patrick Drury. Pat was my best friend and roommate for over 5 years. He was an older brother, a younger brother, a Bearshark, a classmate, a legacy Navy pilot, and the son of two of the greatest people I’ve ever met, Chip and Lois Drury. He will be missed by the thousands of people whose lives he enriched and enlightened. He was my best friend and I knew he would still be my best friend when we were 90 years old, drinking on the beach together telling stories about the last real Plebe Year.

Pat and I didn’t grow up together but I can’t remember life without him. I’ve gone through things with Pat that I’ll never go through with another person. One of the hardest parts about this week is that other than my parents, the person I would have turned to in such a dark hour isn’t there. While Pat knew the darkest and most embarrassing things in my life, we also shared the best moments of our lives together. On the day of graduation and commissioning, our families and friends immediately went to Pusser’s together for lunch. I’d have never got through USNA without Pat. After my first solo, Pat was waiting as I shut down my T-34 because he knew I’d want pictures and a hug. When we realized I sliced my arm somehow in the process, it was Pat who took me to the hospital. Pat has tucked me in to bed countless times, sat up with me all night to just talk and laugh, and every time he saw me sad or lonely he went out of his way to make me laugh and smile. During my quarantine for swine flu, Pat was the only person I was allowed to see for about a week. Pat even yelled at me one time. Some of you don’t believe me but I swear it happened. It will stick with me forever because I had never seen him yell at anyone before. And yes I deserved it. We paid our first bills together, bought our first cars together, moved to other cities and states together, met girls together, became men together. I’m so blessed to have had someone so strong, so loyal, so stable, and so positive by my side.  

Pat was the person and personality I’ve most admired and emulated over the past 6 years. It wasn’t just a personality, it was an aura and it was infectious. So many people have described Pat this week as the nicest, happiest guy they’ve ever met. They couldn’t be more accurate. True happiness is what he felt and gave to others. He wasn't afraid to tell you he loved you and mean it. People, girls especially, often tell me they admire how I’m nice, carefree, happy, and always smiling. What they really see in me is Pat and the influence he had on me as we shared a 15’x10’ room for 4 years, then an apartment in Annapolis, beach house in Pensacola, and house in Corpus Christi. I admired and partly absorbed the kindness, love, and true enjoyment Pat had for everyone around him. While I’ll never be the person he was, I’m a much better person for having spent so much time with him. The world needs what Pat gave it for over 25 years and I will try so hard to be more like him for the rest of my life.

Pat and I seemed a natural fit from day one. Two simple, skinny, fun-loving Irish-Catholics who smiled too much and shared a love for the Naval Academy, Naval Aviation, King Hall, imgur.com, 40oz’s, and SBBQ’s. As we became friends our parents became friends and I know they will remain so forever. Our fathers are similar, just as Pat and I are. Pat's mom, Lois, is obviously where he got his kindness and desire to make other people happy. When I talked to Lois yesterday, we cried together, she was worried about me and how I was doing.  Lois lost her son, her pride and joy, and could still find the strength and compassion to worry about me. I wish I could better describe the son Chip and Lois raised but words will never do Pat justice.

I’m not sure what will happen from here on and how we’ll get over this but we will, because Pat will help us. He will be our perfect guardian angel. We owe it to Pat and to ourselves to honor him and keep him with us at every step. While Pat may not get to be the best man at my wedding or shotgun a beer with 6-4 Southside at our 60th anniversary, he will live on every day through my life, my career, and my first-born son, Patrick.

 

Rory O'Donnell  (Naval Academy roommate)  Patl Pat! Pat! I love you so so so much. You're my best friend, roommate for 5+ years, and the happiest, nicest person I've ever met.  

 

Natalie Plummer   Happiest and nicest is an understatement.

 

Brendan Strei (Bishop Ireton classmate)  My heart is so hard heavy n I'm crying. I lost a brother who always showed me how to smile at my worse moment. I love and will miss you, Patrick.

David Remick  (Naval Academy classmate)  June 20, 2013 · I miss you Patrick Drury.  (Dave wrote this and sent flowers while deployed to Afghanistan.  He is now buried in Arlington 80 feet from Patrick.  They remain together.)

• Anthony Hizon, Jess N Elliott Joses, Ariel Baltis and 14 others like this.

• Terrence T-Bone Barcelon Are you coming to the memorial?

• David Remick I can't. I'm in Afghanistan right now but if you see anyone let them know I love them  June 22, 2013            

 

Charlotte Hauser  Patrick Drury, you are and will continue to be one of the best people I've ever had the honor of knowing. And all I

can say is I know you're sitting next to God, making him smile on his worst days like you did for all of us. My Bearshark Brother, my

friend, we miss you, we love you. Rest in Eternal Peace. I still owe you that steak dinner buddy, you're forever in our hearts.

 

Eugene Yang (Naval Academy 2014, in email to Chip) . . . I was a plebe when Pat was a firstie.  Pat was an incredibly inspiring and encouraging role model.  . . He was well-respected. All of his peers liked him. We recognized his green Safety detailer shirt during plebe summer.  We remembered his smile when we were scared plebes (at least I was.) Pat respected and cared for us. He was fun, with a great sense of humor. I like to think that Pat remembered me for some reason. At the end of his firstie year, he stopped by my room and gave me his green detailer shirt, with the class of 2011 crest.  I don't think he recognized how much it meant to me . . . I always wanted to be more like Pat. Having fun and enjoying his time. I've worn that shirt proudly for the last 3 years.  Many asked me about it.  I am always proud to respond that a great man and role model gave (it to me). When I heard the news about Pat, I was crushed. I questioned the justice of God and wondered what could require such a great cost to your family, and all of the people Pat touched. I was incredibly blessed and lucky to know Pat. . . . There have been times when I've questioned my confidence, my decisions. I wonder if I'll ever be able to match up to the impression Pat had of me, and if I'll ever know if I have that impact on (others). I wish I had told Pat more often how much I looked up to him. When I was selected Brigade Commander, I was happy that all of my friends, mentors, and peers could enjoy the achievement that began in our plebe summer. I was crushed that I couldn't share the news with Pat. I know that he would be proud of me. The program from his funeral mass is on my corkboard, as it is on many of my classmates', and sometimes when I'm down, I know that Pat would encourage me to lighten up and move forward. I look up to him to this day and hope that I can measure up to a fraction of the influence he had on me. I read your message today on Pat's wall and it brought me to tears. Your love for Pat is genuine, passionate, and alive. I respect you and your family so much and owe a lot to you and Pat. We miss him. He was an amazing person. Sincerely, Eugene J. Yang

 

Julia Hale  Nothing in the world can stop him from making people laugh.  

 

Blair Hunt  (Family relative)  I have no words to even express how shocked and saddened I am that the world has lost Patrick Drury.  To steal Heather's words, "a light has gone out" in so many lives. . . He will be deeply missed.  

 

Leslie Hurley  (Family friend)  Shipmates, rest your oars.  The watch has been relieved.  

 

Cody Chenoweth  Patrick, we will never forget how you could genuinely make us laugh.  

 

Ryan Tullar  (Bishop Ireton, 2004, classmate of Allison's)  You will be missed, Pat.  There is no other person who would get more open arms (in heaven) than smiling Patrick Drury.  Watch over us, brother.   

 

Anthony Hizon  (Naval Academy classmate)   I can't believe you're gone, Pat.  The only consolation is that you lived every minute of your life to the fullest.  I'm going to miss you.  

 

Mark Bezold  I stumbled across this walking around today.  You were one of the best of us.  Rest in peace, Patrick.  

 

Christine Bussewitz  My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, and all those whose lives you touched.  

 

Jacqui Wengler  Patrick, I remember you running into my room to show me this video.  You've put so many smiles on people's faces, and I can't wait to share more laughs with you.  Miss you, buddy!  

 

Conor Owens  Requiscat in pace.  

 

Fred Wenger & Kathleen McNutt  (Bishop Ireton classmates)   Lost a beloved friend.  Rest in peace, Patrick.

 

Jason Alea  (Saint Mary’s School)  Patrick, I'll always remember the fun we had as kids.  You'll be missed and forever remembered.  

 

Leslie Caputo  So thankful to have you in my life, Pat.  I was hoping we would be stationed together one day.  Who knows, maybe . . .  We still love you.  

 

Michael Harrison   We will all miss you, Patrick.  You were the best of us all.  I never saw you without a smile on your face, which you never failed to give away to anyone.  We love you, and we are praying for you and your family.  

 

Zach Love   (Bishop Ireton classmate)  Fair winds and following seas, as they say.  

 

Lorenzo Armijo (Naval Academy classmate) "Everyone dies.  Not everyone lives."  Patrick, you truly lived, and everyone who knew you is better for it.  May you rest in peace, and watch down on the rest of us.  

 

Kai Hoffman  Rest easy, Pat.  You were like a big brother to me.  

 

Erin Cushing  Patrick was the nicest, most positive human being I ever met.  It's a tremendous loss.  My heart goes out to his family and the entire Bishop Ireton family.  

 

Jared Williams   (Naval Academy classmate)  Lost one of the best people I have ever known this weekend, Patrick Drury.  I'll never forget that smile, or your totally indomitable spirit.  You were an inspiration to everyone around you. Our times together will stay with me always. I miss you already.  The world is darker without you in it.  

 

Peter Laclede  "Nothing is so strong as gentleness; nothing so gentle as real strength."" St Francis de Sales.  Rest in peace. Patrick, you will be sorely missed, my friend.

 

Steven Mendez  If only everyone could be a little more like Patrick.  I'll miss you every day, man.  

 

Steven Mendez (Naval Academy classmate) 

Pat – Pat was absolutely one of a kind.  He brought joy into every situation, and always brought a smile into the room.  There are so many instances where Pat was the outlier and the band leader.  On spring break 2010 while we were partying, Pat found us temporary dinosaur tattoos.  At a Cinco de Mayo party, Patrick found roller blades in the garage, and was skating around the neighborhood to everyone’s delight.  He would show up at a party wearing a red, white, and blue bandana, or set his chest on fire with an aerosol can.  Pat was like a brother to me.  He loved with every inch of his heart, every day.  I know I’ll see him in heaven, and know he’ll be watching over me and all of his friends and family. 

 

Neil Tublin‎  August 18, 2013 · (Naval Academy classmate who began a quest to fulfill Patrick's goal of completing a 60 second handstand.)  Well, so far the best I've gotten is 52 seconds... getting closer.  But I'm doing some traveling and thought it would be cool to take some handstand pictures everywhere I'm going for you. I figured where better to start the show than where it all started, the doors we entered on I-Day.  (Neil has far surpassed Patrick's 60 second goal, and has done handstands for him around the world!)  

 

Russell Witham  Heaven will surely shine brighter tonight.

 

Alyssa Krause (Bishop Ireton classmate)  Praying for the Bishop Ireton family today.  Patrick, we will miss you.

 

Dave Nartker  (Naval Academy classmate)  You are forever in our hearts, Patrick.  You were one of the pilots I always hoped I'd run into in a random bar in San Diego, so we could share a drink again.  We had great times on summer cruises.  I'll miss you, man.

 

Don Dight (Bishop Ireton teacher and wrestling coach) 

Patrick was a very special young man; at once strong yet gentle, firm in his beliefs and principles, yet tolerant and understanding.  Whether it was in the classroom or on the athletic field, Pat was a leader who could always be counted on to do his best and to pick up his mates.  He was an incredible young man who will be missed by all of us.

 

Jess Grupp   (Naval Academy classmate)

I met Patrick during flight school.  My roommates and I had a Cinco de Mayo party in Corpus Christi.  Patrick showed up wearing a Mexican blanket, jeans, a sombrero, and a tequila shot belt.  When he found our roller blades and hula hoops, his goal was to get everyone at the party to hula hoop.  Everyone hula hooped the night away.  Patrick had an amazing sense of humor and a way of bringing a smile (usually accompanied with laughter), no matter where he went.  I am grateful to have known Patrick, and to call him my friend.  He was a beautiful person, and he left the world a better place. 

 

Jon Malycke  (Naval Academy classmate)

Pat was the nicest guy I’ve ever known.   I never saw him without a smile.  He always brightened my day, and I always looked forward for a chance to chat with him.  Second class year I had a roommate who was big and very shy.  I asked Pat to give him a hug every time he saw him.  Pat thought it was a great idea.  He really drew my roommate out of his shell.  I will always value my friendship with Pat.  Your family is in my prayers. 

 

Clark Hayes (Naval Academy classmate)

Patrick gave me a ride home from the airport after Thanksgiving.  It wasn’t planned, but I didn’t have a ride, and knew his flight was arriving later, so I waited.  He was excited to have someone else in the car with him on the ride home, and told me how he ended up getting his Corvette.  He was never boring. 

 

Michael Villalobos  (Bishop Ireton classmate)

One of my fondest memories of Pat is when he and Dan Hamer called me up in October 2006 to go camping.  With Pat’s enthusiasm coming through the phone, no one could say no.  I gathered my camping gear.  When I was ready, I went outside and it was raining.  I called Dan and asked if we were still going, and heard Pat yell in the background, “Of course!”  I picked up Dan and Pat, and as we drove it rained harder and harder.  After some discussion, we chose to camp in a park near my house.  We set up camp about a half mile into the woods.  Dan and Pat tried to start a fire, while I went to back to my car for a case of beer, and a bottle of Jack Daniels.  Back at the campsite, still no fire.  But Dan pulled out some cigars, and we cracked open three beers.  About then there were people coming through the woods.  Then three bright lights came on, and a voice boomed, “Fairfax County police.  Show us your hands!”  We bolted up, and one by one were handcuffed and seated on the ground.  They searched our campsite, and realized we were just kids drinking beer in the woods. The cops made us take apart our campsite, then the oldest one told us we couldn’t have alcohol.  They gathered around to watch us pour out every beer and the bottle of whiskey.  As the three of us made our way back to my car with our tails between our legs, the youngest cop stopped us, looked us all in the eyes, and told us, “You know, when I was your age, I wish I had done more stuff like this.” 

This is my favorite memory of Pat.  He was always spontaneous, and this memory embodied everything he liked to do.  I will miss Pat, but am grateful for every smile, laugh, and moment I got to share with him.

 

Jenny Rudewicz  (Naval Academy classmate) 

While moving from Pensacola to Corpus Christi, the bike on the back of my car came loose from the rack and was dragged for a distance.  It was dented and scratched, and unusable because the handle bars and front tire were misaligned.  I told Patrick the story the next day.  He went into the garage with his tools, and fixed it for me.  What a gentleman.  Thank you for sharing him with me.  I will never forget his smile and chuckle.  He will be forever with me in my heart. 

 

Meghan Verducci  (Bishop Ireton classmate)

I knew Pat for four years before he went to Navy.  But my best memories of him are from his time there.  I will never forget the day my family brought my younger brother Matthew to the Academy for his I-Day. Pat was standing there as a detailer as Matt and the other new plebes formed up.  He promised to keep an eye out for Matt, and he did, even beyond that summer.  He kept us updated on Facebook, via text messages, and outside the chapel after mass on Sundays.  I could not be more grateful to him for being a guardian to my little brother.  On that I-Day, as Pat turned to follow the Brigade, he smiled at me and gave me a wink.  I will never forget it.  He communicated humor, generosity, and passion for life in that wink, and I will remember it every day. 

 

Peggy Verducci  (Mother of Meghan and Matt) 

Patrick brought me comfort.  On I-Day of 2010, my son, Matt, was a new plebe.  Patrick found Matt, and whispered to him that he would take care of him.  As India Company marched off, Patrick stayed behind with the Verducci family, smiling and comforting us.  As the summer progressed, I would receive messages on Facebook saying, “Matt was killing it at PT this morning!” . . . “Matt is doing great!”  Those unsolicited messages told me Patrick had my son’s back . . .  Comfort.  Patrick also brought me joy and laughter.  One Sunday during Plebe Summer we went to mass in the yard so we could have a “Matt sighting.”  Afterward we saw Pat, who shared with mock seriousness that the Class of 2014 was out of control, wearing socks to bed.  Too many mids were falling out of their bunks on account of socks.  He had a great sense of humor, and shared it freely.  We love him and all the Drurys.

 

Anna and John Franz (parents of Christina Franz, Bishop Ireton classmate)

Patrick was Christina’s best friend.  He was a North Star, not just for Chrissy, but for everyone he touched.  He will not be forgotten, and will always be loved.  P.S.  It was always fun to have him over for dinner and enjoy his laughter.

 

Mike Brideau  (Bishop Ireton classmate)

I’ll never forget meeting Pat.  It was the first day of Mr. Rauer’s honors World History class freshman year.  We sat next to each other, and I knew instantly from the way he smiled and introduced himself that we would be friends.  My first impression was correct.  He was one of nicest and most genuine people I have ever met.  The world is darker for losing his smile, but it is comforting to know he is in a better place.  Godspeed, Buddy. 

 

Alexis Foltz  (Bishop Ireton classmate)

After high school, Pat and I were old fashioned pen pals.  My letters were boring, but not Pat’s!  He wrote on graph paper, and drew pictures.  He was fun and loving.  No matter what happened, he could find humor in it.  He was an amazing person who taught all of us how to live.  He will be missed and never forgotten. 

 

Katrina Nietsch  (Naval Academy classmate) 

I met Patrick commissioning week, and wish we had met plebe year.  Patrick was kind, outgoing, and so much fun!  During flight school, Patrick’s big grin always made me smile.  Patrick can’t be summarized in one page.  He was so many things to us all.  I attended the funeral of another friend and lacrosse teammate, Valerie Delaney, a week before the heartbreaking news that Patrick had been killed.  In a strange way, I now see the brightness in living each day as it was your last.  Patrick did that every single day.  It was not until his death that I learned to do the same.  We love him so much, and miss him dearly. 

 

Shaida Darvisian (Next door neighbor)

Patrick was my childhood crush.  I have so many good memories, such as playing in the igloo he made with you in the front yard after the blizzard in 1995.  The next winter when I was about nine years old, with snow on the ground and freezing temperatures, my sisters Roya and Leila dared me to go outside in the back yard in my underwear.  I was mortified to hear Patrick yell from his window, “Hi, Shaida.”  He was always fun.  I remember the Halloween he dressed up as a toilet.  Ha ha ha!  When I got my dog, Koda, he came over and told me over and over what an awesome puppy Koda was.  These are just a few of many memories of Patrick.  I will always be there for you guys.

 

Pete Donahue  (Naval Academy classmate) 

In Corpus Christi Pat and I were roommates.  When I decided to get a dog, Patrick, Nicole Lung, and I went to the Humane Society.  Patrick kept playing with the “weiner dog” puppies.  He wanted to dress them up in hot dog costumes and have them race.  I tried to convince him to adopt a dog, but he was satisfied to help take care of my dog, a boxer mutt named Leela.  Patrick helped more than I could possibly have expected.  Leela thought Patrick and I were her two dads.  After Patrick transferred to Meridian, Leela lay in his room the rest of the day.  About six months later, Patrick visited in Pensacola.  Before Patrick got six inches into the house, Leela tackled him excitedly.  She reacted the same way every time he came, and would wake him up in the morning.  To this day she has never done that with any other person.  It is a testament to how loving a person Patrick was.  This is just one of my many wonderful memories of Patrick.  I love him dearly.

 

Nicole Lung  (Naval Academy classmate)

One time when Patrick came to Pensacola from Meridian to visit, rather than playing video games with Pete, he tagged along with J.C. and I as we headed out to practice a preflight on the TH-57B.  He wanted to learn how to preflight a helicopter.  He was enthusiastic about everything related to aviation, and was always eager to learn.  He spent two hours with us, going through each compartment.  He then sat in the pilot’s seat figuring out checklists.  He was surprised when he turned on the battery switch, initiating a series of flashing lights and alarms that startled him.  He jumped, and then laughed hysterically.  It demonstrated a less celebrated side of Patrick’s personality.  In addition to being the life of every party, always having a smile, and being kind to everyone, he was intelligent, professional, and driven.  He was one of the smartest people I knew, and it was no accident.  He worked hard at his passions.  That made him great.  He never took his talent for granted.  I love and miss Patrick so much.  Please know that he and his whole family are constantly in my prayers. 

 

Kara Bedford  (Bishop Ireton classmate)

What Patrick meant to me.  In a word: everything.  Pat was the person to go to with news . . . good, bad, sad, whatever.  Pat would make the day better.  After Pat left Virginia Tech, anytime I could see him I would.  All of us got together at the Strei’s.   Brendan arranged it often.  This past December at a gathering there, I asked PHD what he was drinking.  He said, “Everything.”  Everything tastes a bit like orange soda.

 

Caitlin Love   (Bishop Ireton classmate)  You were one of the most inspirational people I've ever known and I will never forget that about you. I always admired how positive you were every single day. The world is definitely at a loss without you. Love you and miss you every day.

 

Taylor Walet IV (Patrick’s cousin’s son now flying F-15Es)

I cannot describe what an inspiration Patrick was to me.  He helped me figure my life out.  He answered every question I had when I was applying to the Naval Academy.  He inspired me.  He was my role model.  If I could be half as good as Patrick, I would turn out pretty well.  I wish I could tell him how much he helped me.  I miss his smiling face and his laughter.  The world lost a joyful, caring, and truly great person. 

 

Taylor Walet III (Patrick’s cousin’s husband) 

My memories of Patrick center around words such as happy, witty, respectful, mischievous.  The hardest part today was watching as you walked behind Patrick’s caisson.  It takes incredible strength, but now you need to live as Patrick would want you to.  For me, this works, “When you get down, get busy.”  Much love.  Know Patrick flies so high now.

 

Rob Drury (cousin)

Patrick would crack up the “kid’s end” of the table every holiday.  I remember the fun we had together, listening to jokes and his MAD TV impersonations, while Heather and Allison asked him to keep doing their favorite skits.

 

Annie Drury (cousin) September 24, 2013 - This summer we lost a bright light in our family. Today we are honoring, celebrating his life, and laying him to rest at Arlington Cemetery. Patrick Drury was one of the good ones, genuinely kind hearted with an infectious positive attitude. Patrick, you are loved and missed.

 

Carter Blaisdell  (Relative)

I first met Patrick at a Blaisdell family reunion in 1996 when Patrick was nine years old.  At the YMCA confidence course, he ascended to the top of the rope tower with alacrity.  The next year he played the role of a sailor on the ship “Angel Gabriel” in a play about the journey that brought the family’s patriarch to America in 1635, 13 generations before Patrick was born. 

 

Wei Wei Blaisdell (Carter’s daughter-in-law) 

A book should be written about Patrick.  Everyone fell in love with this young man.  Now he is no longer with us, but he will be forever in our hearts.  With love.

 

Mary Kristen, Lisa Marie, and Ryan Vasile; and Maryanne, Annie, and Robbie Drury  (Cousins)

When we were small, at one family dinner we observed one of Patrick’s idiosyncrasies.  As we were eating at the “kids table” we heard humming.  Eventually all eyes turned to Patrick who, we learned, hummed happily while he was eating.  He looked back at us, and said, “This food is really good.” 

 

Marydale Vasile (Patrick’s aunt)

The only other person I know who hums while he enjoys his dinner is my husband, Patrick’s Uncle Nick.

 

Joanne Schiefer  (St Mary’s and Bishop Ireton teacher who also lost a daughter) 

We’ve loved and known each other a long, long time, and now we share two angels in heaven.

 

Gwen Holdgreiwe  (Bishop Ireton classmate)

Patrick had the most infectious smile I’ve ever encountered!  Patrick was easy to know.  He was what he appeared to be, genuine and sincere.  He wore his heart on his sleeve, and was an incredible human being and a role model to all of us.  XOXO.  Love to the entire family. 

 

Unsigned

Patrick taught me that exclamation points are overrated.  “I love you, Pat @@@@@@”  Also, he taught me that all dreams are worth chasing.

 

Hank Dickens, Major, USMC  (Chip’s roommate in Beeville, TX)

Words can not convey the loss the world experienced.   Patrick would have made the world a better place.  In his abbreviated time on earth, he already made a mark.

 

Steve Deleyiannis  (Neighbor/friend)  

Patrick was the son any dad would be proud to call his own!

 

Brett Libby  (Naval Academy and flight training classmate)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                    Note from Chip: Brett’s reference to Joshua 1:9 is below.

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Unsigned

Patrick=the most fun-loving and kindest person I ever met.  He was truly happy, and his sense of humor was contagious.  He cared deeply for his family and friends, and I witnessed that first hand.

 

Unsigned

Patrick, I’ll always remember your smile and gift of humor.  I laugh thinking of you arranging Allison’s Barbie dolls so they would be “mooning” her when she opened the door to her room.