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.