Obituary of Patricia Schmergel

Patricia "Pat" (O'Brien) Schmergel, born on August 19, 1924 in New York, NY to the late Frances Kennedy O'Brien and late Francis Jeremiah O'Brien, passed away peacefully at age 94 on December 7th, 2018 in Port Washington, NY  surrounded by family and her devoted caregiver, Alma. In her youth, Pat studied at Mount Saint Ursula Academy then attended Alfred University and The American Academy of the Dramatic Arts. In 1947, Pat met a handsome Hungarian, Paul P. Schmergel, whom she married after a whirlwind courtship of 6 weeks. The couple celebrated 59 years together until Paul's death in 2006. Patricia will be greatly missed by her sons, Peter P. Schmergel (Stephanie), F. William Schmergel (Gaye), John P. Schmergel (Valerie), and Paul Schmergel Jr. (Jenee); nephew Stephen (Yvonne); 12 grandchildren ; and 9 great-grandchildren. Patricia adored entertaining her family and friends. She loved being out on the water boating, attending the theater, listening to music and dancing, and was an enthusiastic spectator of thoroughbred horse racing. She was also a long time member of North Hempstead Country Club in Port Washington as well as The Surf Club, The Jockey Club and Miami Shores Country Club in Miami. Friends and family members may attend a mass in celebration of her life on December 15, 2018, 10:30am at St. Peter of Alcantara, 1327 Port Washington Blvd, Port Washington, NY 11050, with burial to immediately follow at Nassau Knolls Cemetery. The funeral home is Fairchild Sons Inc, 1570 Northern Blvd, Manhasset, (516) 627-2000.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat’s memory would be greatly appreciated by the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. PDJF.Org