Former Bayonne Superintendent Dr. Patricia McGeehan passed away on Thursday after a short illness, with a wake scheduled for Sunday and a mass set for Monday.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the passing of our much loved and respected former Superintendent of School, Dr. Patricia L. McGeehan, who sadly left us yesterday after a short illness,” Superintendent of Schools John Niesz wrote in a letter.
“For over 50 years, she dedicated her life to the Bayonne community, the Bayonne School District, and most importantly, to the children she cherished so deeply. Dr. McGeehan served the community with unwavering vision and dedication for over 50 year[s].”
Originally beginning her career as a kindergarten teacher in the 1960s and after serving a principal at three different school, became superintendent of 2000, a role she served in until 2017.
Prior to her career in education, she worked at her family’s restaurant Burke’s, and also served as a social worker for a brief time.
“It was not uncommon for Dr. McGeehan to work a 12 to 14-hour work day, attending every athletic competition, musical production, memorial service, and community event regardless of the location or time of day. Even with these demands on her time, she fostered community relationships and led many innovative programs,” Niesz also wrote.
“She was the president of the Bayonne Education Foundation, initiated the Learn Not to Burn initiative with the Saint Barnabas Burn Center after one of her students was badly burned in a house fire, served as trustee at the Bayonne Medical Center, was on Stevens Institute of Technology Advisory Council, a proud Rotarian, and was appointed in 2007 by the Commissioner of Education to the prestigious NJ State Board of Examiners just a few highlights of her accomplishments.”
For those seeking to pay their respects, her wake will be held on Sunday, October 6th at the Keenan O’Brien Funeral Home, located at 984 Avenue C, between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Additionally, her funeral will be at St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church on Monday, October 7th, located at 82 West 29th St., at 10:45 a.m.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of longtime Bayonne educator Dr Patricia McGeehan. Dr. McGeehan spent her entire life dedicated to the education of Bayonne’s children, which included 17 years as the Superintendent of Schools,” Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis wrote on Facebook.
“Dr. McGeehan’s intellect and devotion to her work was only outmatched by her grace. Her work has left an indelible mark on generations of Bayonne’s children. Her legacy of dedication and commitment to the betterment of Bayonne is what we should all aspire to, and she will be greatly missed! Rest in Peace, Patsy.”
She is survived by her three beloved children: Vincent (Biff), Patrick and Marjorie and her 10 treasured grandchildren: Kristen, Megan, Paige, Sarah, Brennan, Shane, Tyler, Troy, Trevor, and Lexi.