Patrick A. (Pat) Hannigan, 81, passed away March 26, 2026, at his cottage in Lovettsville, Virginia. He was predeceased by his parents, Patrick S. Hannigan and Virginia L. Hannigan. He is survived by Paddy, his loving wife of over sixty years, his daughter Theresa P. Stapf (William), son Patrick J. Hannigan (Kimberly), daughter Meghan L. Hogrefe (Richard), his sister Susan Lopardo, grandsons William Patrick Stapf, Nicholas Alexander Stapf, Jack Patrick Hannigan, Matthew James Hannigan, sister-in-law Genie, Diane and several nieces.

Patrick was born in Flushing, New York and spent his early years in Queens, New York, later moving to Long Island where he began his lifelong love of the sea. As a young teenager, he moved with his family to New Milford, Connecticut and graduated from New Milford High School in 1961. He then embarked on a course of continuous higher education to engage his ever-inquiring mind, acquiring his undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut and an MS in education from Western Connecticut State College. His C.A.G.S. in Educational Administration from Southern Connecticut State University culminated in completion of his Ed.D.

Upon graduating from the University of Connecticut, Pat was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army through his participation in the ROTC program at the University. He spent 28 years serving his country, including a tour in Vietnam. In 2004, Lt. Col. Patrick Hannigan officially retired from active military service.

Pat began his teaching career at Gordon Smith Junior High School in Watertown, Connecticut. That was the stepping-stone to a long career devoted to instilling a love for learning in students at every level he taught. From seventh grade science to college level leadership courses, Pat was at his best in front of the classroom, encouraging his students to incorporate into their lives a love of reading and the importance of critical thinking, while remembering to find those lighter moments that remind you of why you are there in the first place. He was passionate about his work and looked forward each day to "showing up." Countless times, former students would recognize him on the street or out shopping and would make a point to thank him for encouraging them as their teacher and professor. Whenever this happened, Pat would light up because it meant so much to him.

Over the years, Pat taught at Johnson and Wales University, the University of Rhode Island, the University of North Carolina, and Armstrong State University in Savannah, Georgia, now a part of the greater University of Georgia system. He also held the Housemaster position for grades seven and eight at Lincoln Junior High School in Lincoln, RI, as well as middle school principal at Ponaganset Middle School in Glocester, RI.

While at Ponaganset, he was known as Dr. H, and one of the proudest moments of his career occurred when he co-founded RIMLE (Rhode Island Middle Level Educators) and served as its president for the first six years. He was also instrumental in instituting the first boys' soccer league while a member of the Rhode Island Middle Level Interscholastic League, and later helped start the girls' soccer league.

Throughout Patrick's life, he loved to swim, and he was a lifeguard for many summers on Candlewood Lake in New Milford, CT and taught Red Cross swimming lessons and lifesaving there. Once in Rhode Island, the sea beckoned, and Pat and Paddy shared many beautiful sunny days on Narragansett Bay sailing a variety of vessels, the favorite of which was the Nonsuch, a 30-foot catboat. Golf, though taken up later in life, also became a passion that he and Paddy shared.

Pat's greatest happiness came from the love of his family and the joy he derived from his many friends. He will be missed beyond measure. His humor, laughter, and warm smile will long be remembered by all who knew him. Over his lifetime, when things became difficult, Pat often said, "If you can't change the wind, adjust the sail." Perhaps all will find comfort in the wisdom of these words.

Calling hours are from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29 at Avery Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, RI. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 30 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 180 Old North Road, Kingston, RI, with burial to follow at the Rhode Island Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter, RI.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Children International (www.children.org)

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org)

The University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc. Att: Gift and Pledge Management 2390 Alumni Drive, Unit 3206, Storrs, Conn. 06269-3206 (Include Patrick's name along with the name and address to whom you would like an acknowledgement sent).