Patrick Joseph Filley

WINTERGARDEN. FL —Patrick Joseph Filley. 77. died April 13. 2000. In Wintergarden. Florida. after a hard battle with bone cancer. Born on June 26. 1922 in South Bend. Indiana. an Irish Catholic inner city kid. Pat earned a scholarship to Notre Dame University as a lineman on their football team. His football career was interrupted by a short time in the Marines: he was discharged for his bad knees. Going back to Notre Dame. He finished his education in business and as captain of the National Champion team in 1943-44.

Following college. Pat accepted a position as foot-ball coach at Cornell University. where he fell In love with the gorges. hills and woodlands of Ithaca. NY. Pat and Ruby. his wife of now 54 years. decided Ithaca was a great place to raise their rapidly growing family. For 34 years Pat was the anchor of the Cornell Athletic Department. holding many different administrative positions over the years. His and Ruby's involvement with their family led to a strong family foundation that continues today.

His love of the outdoors and his gentleman's farm kept him busy after retirement. Pat and Ruby traveled to Florida to winter with family each year. watching his grandchildren grow, becoming friends, as well as mentor. to his children and grandchildren. Pat will be remembered most, not just for his sports accomplishments and affiliation with Cornell, but most for: His handshakes (do I have a hand left?) His rib-cracking bear hugs. His twinkle in his eye. His sense of humor that never quit- not even in the end. His love of learning every-thing new that he could. His warm affection for all those he met, from all walks of life. His strong welding of family values, and His great love and respect of life.

He is survived by his wife Ruby and his four children: daughter Anne and son-in-law. Chuck Houghton of Ithaca: son Kevin and daughter-in-law. Joy of Orlando. Florida: daughter Shawn of Wintergarden. Florida: and son Michael and daughter-in-law. Margo of Trade. Tennessee. He is also survived by two sisters and a brother. His grandchildren Chad. Sean and Troy will miss him greatly. as will Renee Sousa of Ohio. 

A memorial service for Pat. welcoming all his friends and associates. will be held at the Moakley House (Cornell Golf Course) on June 11. 2000 at 1:00 p.m.. in Ithaca. NY. Refreshments will follow. In lieu of flowers. donations are to be made in Pat Filley's name to: Make a Wish Foundations. Children's Cancer Fund of Central NY. Suite 900 Mony Tower #2. 120 Madison St.. Syracuse. NY 13202.

Sources: Ancestry.com and Newspapers.com

09/20/2023 EJS