Patrick A. Shiel

October 22, 1940 - September 13, 2026

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Patrick A. Shiel

Patrick “Pat” Augustine Shiel, 85, of Coats, NC, passed away peacefully at Transitions LifeCare Hospice Home on Sunday, September 13, 2026. A funeral Mass to celebrate his life will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Raleigh, NC. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium. The service will be livestreamed via this link.

Pat was born October 22, 1940 in Galway, Ireland and grew up in Birr, County Offaly, Ireland. Pat immigrated to the United States a few days after his 18th birthday “with the clothes on his back and a dime to call his sister to pick him up at the airport”. On his second day in the United States, he proudly became employed. Pat enjoyed two careers, 32 years with Eastern Airlines and over 20 years with Leith Automotive Group. Pat was most proud of his children, grandchildren, 10 siblings, and many nieces and nephews. Pat loved reading, listening to music, cooking, coaching his children’s sports teams, traveling, and spending time with his family. Maintaining close relationships with family and friends was important to him, and he would frequently be corresponding over phone calls, texts, and many handwritten letters. In his later years, Pat enjoyed the company of the many friendships he developed at the South Park Community Center in Fuquay-Varina. Whenever asked how he was doing, Pat always replied with, “Marvelous, Wonderful, Never Better!!”— this response clearly demonstrated his outlook on life.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, 9 siblings, daughter’s fiancé, Adam Penny, and his beloved wife, Judy. Judy remained an important part of his life and the family they built together. Pat will forever be remembered as a devoted husband and father.

Pat is survived by his children Tom (Kelly) Shiel of Raleigh, NC and Jennifer Shiel of Coats, NC; his two grandchildren Katherine Shiel of Raleigh, NC and Riley Swearengin of Coats, NC; his sister Martha Sweeney of Athens, GA; many nieces and nephews; and those who shared meaningful chapters of his life, including Barbara, his former wife, and Jeanne Shanahan, his devoted companion.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to Transitions LifeCare (Raleigh, NC), the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, or The V Foundation.

Live Stream

Services

24 Sep

Funeral Mass

11:00 AM

St. Francis of Assisi Church 11401 Leesville Road Raleigh, NC 27613 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Tributes

  • 5 TREES

    John H Creaser planted 5 trees in memory of Patrick A. Shiel . - September 23, 2026

    Plant trees for Patrick A. Shiel

  • Blessings Bouquet

    Tina & Séamus Rooney, Ireland. sent Blessings Bouquet for Patrick A. Shiel - September 18, 2026

    Classic flowers for a classic man whom I truly enjoyed and shall miss forevermore. Tom and Jennifer, our sincere condolences. Your Dad was a gem to me. Tina, Séamus & Teddy Rooney (Éire)

Condolences

  • September 24, 2026

    To Tom, Jennifer, Katherine, and Riley, He always spoke of you lovingly and with great pride. I am sending you my deepest condolences on the passing of your wonderful father and grandfather. I was blessed to be part of the circle of friends he played Bridge and Bingo with over the last three years. He quickly became a truly dear friend to me, and I am going to miss his warmth, humor, quick wit and company greatly. He was always kind and most willing to help anyone in need - a true gentleman. Even this last year, he maintained his upbeat attitude and cheerful greetings. Wishing you all comfort and peace during this difficult time.

  • September 23, 2026

    To Tommy, Jennifer, Kelly, Katherine and Riley, I am so sorry for your loss. I spoke with Uncle Pat a couple of times a year and he always loved to talk about all of you. He was very proud of his family. I hope you all find comfort in the memories and love you have. May Uncle Pat rest in peace. ❤️

  • September 23, 2026

    Pat was a kind, caring man who was always there to help...His warmth and generosity made a difference in so many ways...He had such a special smile for everyone he met.. Pat will be greatly missed and fondly remembered..🙏🏻 Janie Allen

  • September 23, 2026

    Pat and I reconnected later in life. For the last 15 years we would text each other frequently and his wisdom, friendship, and guidance was a great benefit to me. He will be missed. Joe

  • September 23, 2026

    Pat and I reconnected later in life. For the last 15 years we would text each other frequently and his wisdom, friendship, and guidance was a great benefit to me. He will be missed. Joe

  • September 22, 2026

    To all Pat's family, God BLESS you all that shared in the love of Pat. I worked w/ Pat at Eastern Airlines, and he and so many others at Eastern would have a blast when we were on duty at the same time.. He was a lot of fun to work with that's for sure! I remember one time at work while working the gates, a young lady wearing green leotards and a green sweater walked up to me.... Pat whispered to me, 'oh, look! Peter Pan. We laughed and laughed about that for years. But, that was Pat; he was very quick-witted and fun to be around. RIP, Pat

  • September 20, 2026

    Sadden for the loss of Pat. Was a friend I met at Golds Gym and Community center. Was a sweet nature guy. Always wanted to give a helping hand. One good memory of Pat:: we went antique shopping one afternoon in old down town Fuquay and had coffee. Rest in peace Pat. Will see you again in heaven. Sweet memories, Cheryl Walker

  • September 18, 2026

    Tom, Jennifer, Kelly, Katherine, Riley, Martha, Auntie Mary & Uncle Martin & all the extended Shiel family, Our deepest condolences to you on your loss of your gorgeous Dad, Grandad, Brother. Pat was one of the most lovely unexpected friendships of my life. I shall truly miss him with all of my heart. Every message & conversation we had I will treasure forever. Black & white movies, books, gossip & confiding the odd secret to each other were our jam. Pat was intelligent, quick witted, to the point & devilishly handsome to boot. What was not to love. Bringlóidí deasa, mo chara deas (Sweet dreams, my lovely friend). Tina & Séamus Rooney We shall make a donation to Transitions LifeCare in Pats name & Food Bank also because of a lovely story he once told me about Brendan that meant a lot to Pat.

  • September 18, 2026

    To Tom, Kelly, Katherine, Jennifer and Riley. Thank you for this lovely tribute to your Dad and Granddad. Pat loved all of you and delighted in talking about you. He would have appreciated this beautiful writing and if he were asked for a quick synopsis of his life it would be exactly what you have written. Well done! Our family will miss Pat - he was kind, caring, generous with praise and always looked for the best in people. We miss him. Martha and family.

  • September 17, 2026

    We love you, Granddad!! Love, Tom, Kelly, Katherine

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