Pat Lavelle, Boston, whose heart was forever in Claremorris
Pat was a native of Ballinasmalla, Claremorris, and was son of the late Celia 'Sally' (Burke) and John Lavelle.
THE news of the passing of Pat Lavelle (90) in Boston last week was received with sadness and regret by his many friends around the Claremorris region. Pat was a native of Ballinasmalla, Claremorris, and was son of the late Celia 'Sally' (Burke) and John Lavelle.
Pat (pictured) and his American born wife Ellen, of Irish ancestry, celebrated their Sixtieth wedding anniversary before Ellen (McAvoy) died three years ago in 2023. They had an abiding love for Mayo and were such regular visitors to the Claremorris area that they were seen as integral members of the local community.
Maureen Finnerty, secretary of Claremorris Show Society for many years, said at the weekend that Pat and Ellen were at the heart of their annual Show Days for many years: “They loved Claremorris and came here twice every year, first in the Spring and then for the summer where they often stayed for the months of June, July and August. Claremorris Show Day was the highlight of all their visits and they loved to meet up with friends and Pat always had his camera on hand to record those special moments.
“He had such nature in him and he was on first name terms with so many at the Show that it often seems as if he had never left Mayo. We are all so saddened to hear of his passing and the Claremorris Show Committee, at our meeting on Friday night, held a special silence in his memory that touched all our hearts in such a special way,” said Maureen.
Pat left Mayo in 1952 for Boston and settled in the Allston-Brighton and helped many of his family members settle in Boston. He proudly served in the US Army in Colorado and Germany. He was a member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IEUC) Local 4 for 41 years, reaching honorary retiree status. In the union, he worked for many years at Filene's in Boston's Downtown Crossing.
Pat and Ellen shared many wonderful years together. Their Arlington home was a frequent gathering place for family and friends where Pat's wonderful sense of humor made everyone feel at home. Every summer, Pat and Ellen travelled to their home in Claremorris where they welcomed family, friends and neighbors with their warm and generous spirit.
They cherished this occasion and meeting many friends and always felt so much at home and at ease on these visits which were the highlight of the year for them. They enjoyed so many nights out in the local hostelries in Claremorris town and loved the traditional music sessions and ballad singing nights. All matters relating to traditional Irish culture were always close to their hearts.
Pat and Ellen were cherished members of the Arlington community and had numerous friends all over the region. They were very much at the heart and soul of the local community and their voluntary work for the region was immense all down the years.
Ellen was a Trustee of the McAvoy Foundation that awarded scholarships to area high schools students through the Touchdown Club of Arlington for the Arthur J McAvoy Family Trust Award. Ellen served as Membership Secretary for the Irish American Club of Arlington for many years.
Pat spent the last few years of his life at New Horizons in Woburn. His countless stories, wit and charm made him popular with residents and staff alike. The love and kindness Pat was shown by all in the community made a lasting impact on Pat and his family and friends.
The reposing ceremony for Pat was held at the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut Street, Arlington, on Monday evening and the funeral Mass takes place this Tuesday, July 22, at 11.30 am (4.30pm Irish time) in St Agnes Church, Medford Street, Arlington, followed by internment in St Paul’s cemetery, Broadway, Arlington. The funeral mass will be live streamed at www.cparl.org.
Pat, who was predeceased by his wife, Ellen, his brothers Frank (Arlington), Peter and wife Marie (Brookline), Vince and wife Breeda (Brockton), and brother-in-law James Brady, will be fondly remembered by his sister Mary (Arlington) and his brother Mike Maine), sister-in-law Bridget, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, extended family and many friends in Boston and Mayo.