Patrick Henry Frye (Deacon Pat), age 81, of Sun City Center, FL and formerly of Kenosha, Wisconsin, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, surrounded by his immediate family.

Born in Kenosha on February 23, 1945, he was the son of the late Claire W. and Marie V. (Tunney) Frye. He attended St. Mark’s Grade School and St. Joseph High School. He received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Parkside and later earned his Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. He was also certified in Special Religious Education through Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee.

Patrick dedicated most of his working career to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Wisconsin. He began his career at the Southern Wisconsin Center in Union Grove, Wisconsin, and later worked at several schools within the Kenosha Unified School District until his retirement from teaching. He was also instrumental in coordinating and starting religious studies programs for developmentally disabled youth and young adults of the Catholic faith, serving parishioners of all Kenosha Catholic churches.

Deacon Pat was ordained on June 9, 1994, by the Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, OSB. He received his faculties to preach in 1993 and to witness marriages in 1994. He first served the community of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Kenosha, then spent 18 years at St. Mark the Evangelist Parish in Kenosha. He last served the Archdiocese of Milwaukee at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Racine before relocating to Sun City Center, Florida, in 2013.

After moving to Florida, Deacon Pat continued his ministry in the Diocese of St. Petersburg and remained active at St. Anne Parish in Ruskin, Florida, until the time of his death.

He enjoyed traveling, reading, volunteering with many organizations, and advocating for the rights of others. But above all, he cherished time with his family. To his grandchildren, he was lovingly known as “Pop Pop,” and nothing meant more to him than playing games with them, laughter, and the simple joy of being with them.

Patrick is survived by his children Stephanie (Eric Frisch) Frye, Amy (Rick) Hammerly, Daniel Frye, and Jeffery (Destiny) Frye; his six grandchildren Austen, Jessamyn and Ronan Frisch, Kyra and Ava Hammerly, and Sophie Frye; and his ex-wife, Patricia Tunney, with whom he remained close friends. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, members of his Franciscan family, his Native American Ministry family, and numerous other friends and relatives.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Thomas and Frank Frye, and his sisters Margaret “Nancy” Putrynski and Paula Frye.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 16, at St. Anne Catholic Church in Ruskin, FL, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 17, at St. Anne Catholic Church at 9:30 a.m.  and available via Livestream https://saintanneruskin.org/DeaconPat/

Entombment will take place privately at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Clearwater, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to any cause that serves and uplifts others. Deacon Pat cared deeply for those in need and honoring him through acts of compassion reflects the life he lived. Suggested organizations include:

• National MS Society
• Mater Dei Catholic School
• Knights of Columbus
• St. Anne’s Food Pantry