Patrick A. Guiney, 68, of Huntley, Illinois, died Feb. 7 at his home.
Pat was born on April 22, 1953, in Iron Mountain, Michigan, the fourth of five children of parents Jack and Leola Guiney. The family moved often during Pat's childhood, from Michigan, to Wisconsin, Illinois, back to Michigan and Illinois. Pat attended Catholic and public schools, graduating from Wheeling High School with the class of 1971. During his years at Wheeling, Pat held leadership roles, being elected Senior Class President, and excelled in baseball and football, being on the radar of the NCAA. After working at Dairy Queen a few years, one of Pat's first jobs as a young man was at Wick's Furniture in Wheeling. That was the beginning of his long, successful career in the furniture business.
In 1994 Pat married Brenda Bloom Smith near Galena. Both worked at different furniture stores until they formed Guiney Delivery Service in 1995, which expanded into six other states.
Pat and Brenda were avid golfers who planned their many trips around the country to watch and participate in golf tournaments. They were season ticket holders to Northwestern Illinois College football games and enjoyed all Big Ten football games. But Pat's true devotion, from very early on, was to the Green Bay Packers. He proudly attended several games at Lambeau Field, fully dressed out in green and gold. The Green Bay Packers have lost one of their biggest fans. Brenda was herself just as devoted to her Kansas City Chiefs, so they had an interesting life together. They had no children but had Kelly, Gannon, Garrison, and Brandon, their beloved Shelties.
Pat was known for having a strong work ethic, but perhaps he will be remembered most for his amazing ability to attract and keep friends. Most of his current friends were school mates from the 1960's and '70's. He loved entertaining, whether a small group or hundreds, playing guitar and singing. He was in the band Cripple Creek and was one half of the performing duo Patrick James. He truly loved being around people. When Pat was in the mix, there was always laughter and singing.
Left to cherish Pat's memory are siblings Roger (Denise) Guiney of Big Rapids, Michigan; Marsha Guiney Mohr of Creston, Iowa; Jim (Norma Perlotte) Guiney of Benton, Kentucky; seven nieces and nephews, many cousins and innumerable friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife Brenda, brother Michael Guiney, sister-in-law Mary Kay Guiney and brother-in-law Bob Bloom. A funeral Mass and burial will be later this summer in Iron Mountain, Michigan.
Cremation is private.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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This is a tragic loss. So many multitudes of Pat's friends and acquaintances, and classmates have suffer a grievous loss. Pat was generous, jovial, and dedicated. He was a person would could be counted on through thick and thin. My sincere condolences to Pat's family. No matter how much the rest of us miss him, his family will always miss him more. Rest in peace my friend.
We are neighbors on Muir Dr and always enjoyed listening to him play the guitar and singing. Missed not seeing him in the last several months. So sorry for your family’s loss.
Pat was a very friendly neighbor. He was always friendly and gave a cheery hello. He entertained our neighborhood many times with his his guitar playing and singing. My condolences to his entire family. May Pat Rest In Peace..
I have many fond memories of Pat, getting my insurance license, playing home run derby in La Grange, listening to the Patrick James duo at local bars. I thought very highly of Pat, he will be deeply missed.