Patrick Falconio

PATRICK FALCONIO

Cedar Rapids

Patrick "Pat" Falconio, 74, of Savannah, Ga., succumbed to cancer on June 30, 2015, at Hospice House of Savannah. Pat passed away peacefully with his wife by his side. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Phyllis; his children, Gina (Tim) Hansen and Jeffrey Falconio; grandchildren, Michael, Samantha, Delia and Helene; and a large extended family which includes his aunt, Virginia Hanna, and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret "Peg" and Donald Falconio; and brother, Donald W.

Pat was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pa., and was a graduate of St. Justin High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and a MBA from the University of Georgia. He also earned his chartered financial analyst credential. Pat had a brilliant analytical mind that served him well over the course of a 30-year career in finance and investing.

While studying in Georgia, Pat fell in love with the year-round warm weather and he and Phyllis planned to make their life in the south. Instead, his career took them to the Midwest.

The majority of Pat's career was spent in Fort Wayne, Ind., with Lincoln National Life, then to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, working for AEGON USA Inc. in 1999.

He and Phyllis finally returned to Georgia, spending winters at their home in Savannah and summers in Cedars Rapids.

Pat took to Savannah living, but remained a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates fan. Pat also was very proud of his Italian heritage and was a member of the Italian Society of Savannah.

An avid bridge player and golfer, he found ample time for both in his retirement. Yet he continued to serve on various boards of directors, executive, finance and endowment committees for the Catherine McAuley Foundation, Mount Mercy University, Mercy Medical Center and Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. He also remained active in the financial industry, serving as a director of Financial Industries Corp. and on the board of directors, and other committees of Penn Treaty American Corp.

Pat was generous and kind, a gifted conversationalist who always made guests feel welcome, and a genuinely happy man. Gregarious and jovial, Pat also was quick with a joke. He was well-known for sayings, such as "interest should be earned, not paid," and "Get a hunch, get a bunch."

His true joy was spending time with his family. A kidney transplant in 1999 gave him another 16 years, each of which was a blessing, and Pat spent them well; imparting wisdom to his children, traveling with his wife, helping others, and his favorite, delighting his grandchildren (who called him Pap), with magic tricks.

Shortly before his passing, Pat's grandson wrote him a note that said, "I love you and I will never forget you." That's true for many people fortunate enough to have known him. He was truly one of a kind.

Visitation will be Sunday, July 5, from 4 until 8 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Dr., Savannah, Ga. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, July 6, at St. James Catholic Church, 8412 Whitefield Ave., Savannah. Burial will follow in the Catholic Cemetery on Wheaton Street.

Remembrances may be made to Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, Savannah, Ga., in charge of arrangements.