Date of Birth:
Thursday, June 2, 1921
Date of Death:
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Age:
95 years old

John Patrick O’Grady

John P. “Pat” O’Grady, Cdr. USN (Ret.) of Rochester died October 22, 2016 at Prelude Memory Unit in White Bear Lake, MN where he had resided the past two weeks. Born June 2, 1921, Chicago, IL. Son of the late Thomas F. and Nora Kearns O’Grady. Survived by beloved son and grandsons Kevin Patrick (Beth Samuelson), John Patrick and Liam Joseph of Stillwater, MN, brothers Thomas F. (Mary Lou), James E. (Joan), and sister-in-law Ruth (late Michael Joseph) of Chicago and many cousins, nieces and nephews in Minnesota and Chicago. In addition, he is survived by two step-grandchildren, Leonard Franklin and Terese Samuelson and seven step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth (Speltz), a brother, Michael and sister Veronica O’Malley.

Pat and his wife Betty were married at Holy Trinity Church, Rollingstone, Minnesota on May 17, 1947 while he was serving as an officer in the U.S. Navy. They resided in various coastal cities in the U.S. before returning to Minnesota in 1970.

He enlisted in U.S. Navy summer 1941, served in combat in Motor Torpedo Boats in S.W. Pacific, New Guinea, New Britain, Soloman Sea, Bismarck and D’Encestreaux Archipelago 1942-1944, and was ordered to Officers Training in March 1944. Received college training at Valley City State University and University of Minnesota, graduating as President of Naval ROTC Class June 1946 with B.S. degree in Naval Science and Tactics and World History. Then served in world wide assignments as officer in Navy including command of two submarines, U.S.S. Requin SS481 and U.S.S. Sailfish SS572.

In 1960 was ordered to U.S. Naval War College for one year instruction in Command and Staff course, graduating in June 1961. In 1965 while serving as submarine officer on staff Naval War College in Newport, RI, he elected early retirement and was retired August 1965 as Commander USN.

He earned graduate degrees from the George Washington University Elliott School of International Relations AMIA Degree 1964, University of Rhode Island, Secondary School Counseling, M.A. 1970, and earned degree of Specialist in Education Administration at University of St. Thomas, Ed. Sp. 1977.

Subsequently taught and counseled in Middletown, RI Public High School 1965-1970 and was counselor, then principal and administrator in Burnsville, MN, Public Secondary Schools 1970-1987, and served as Adjunct Professor at St. Mary’s University of Winona, MN.

Member of PETER TARE (WWII P T Boat Veterans), Naval Submarine League, Washington D.C., Naval Institute, Annapolis, MD, Naval War College Foundation, and American Submariner Inc. National Association of Secondary School Principals, member IOTA SIGMA chapter KAPPA DELTA PI-National Honor Society in Education, Methodist Hospital Auxiliary, Rochester and The Church of St. John the Evangelist,  Rochester.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at The Church of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester officiated by Rev. Msgr. Gerald Mahon.  Visitation will take place one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester with graveside military rites provided by American Legion Post 92.

In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are suggested to The Church of St. John the Evangelist or to Charter House Employees Appreciation Fund.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com