Patrick “Pat” L. McDonald
Patrick “Pat” L. McDonald, 57, of Philipsburg, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 8, 2019, at Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College, after a long extended illness with non-alcohol related liver disease. A life taken too soon; Pat was an Early Responder, devoted to helping others and was an organ donor.
Born June 9, 1961, in Philipsburg, Pat was the son of Lawrence M. McDonald and Rose Marie (Slother) McDonald who survive at home. A very loving and devoted caregiver sister, Denise Marie McDonald, of State College, also survives. Denise was affectingly known as Pat’s “BLS” (Bratty Little Sister). Pat was preceded in death by his grandparents and an infant brother, Paul M. McDonald, who passed away on May 6, 1968.
Pat was a 1979 graduate of Philipsburg-Osceola Area High School. While still a student, he was a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Altar Boy, a volunteer fireman with Hope Fire Company and a volunteer with Hope Ambulance Service. After graduation, Pat and several other volunteers were the founding fathers of Philipsburg Emergency Service and purchased the ambulance from Hope in 1980. P.E.M.S., as they were affectingly known, was total volunteer. They later became Moshannon Valley EMS. Pat earned his state certification as EMT in 1980, Paramedic 1 in 1983, Paramedic 2 in 1985, and EMT-PARAMEDIC. While a student at Mount Aloysius College, Pat was a volunteer with the Johnstown Ambulance Service. Pat was also a member of Alpha Community Ambulance Service of State College which became Centre Life Link EMS. During his employment, he served as a full-time EMT, Crew Chief and Field Training Officer. He retired, due to health reasons, in September 2013, after 18 1/2 years of service. He was awarded Life Member Status by the Centre LifeLink EMS in June of 2014.
There will be no public visitation in accordance with Pat’s wishes. A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Interment will be in SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, RD Philipsburg.
The family wishes to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the ambulance personnel, doctors, nurses, lab personnel, aids, friends, and all who were so dedicated and caring to see Pat received the very best care possible.
Pat had asked that there be no flowers (he always said he was allergic to flowers!) and that contributions may be made to Moshannon Valley EMS at 14 W Locust Street, Philipsburg, Pa 16866 and/or Centre Life Link EMS at P.O. Box 293, State College 16804.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg.
