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Patrick Dwyer Obituary
PATRICK J.
DWYER M.D.
AGE: 70 WALL
Patrick J. Dwyer MD, 70, passed away Wednesday August 12, 2009 after a 5 ½ year struggle against prostate cancer. He fought the good fight. Born in the Bronx, NYC in 1939, he graduated in 1957 from Iona Prep in New Rochelle, NY, attended Cornell University and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross, having majored in Latin and Greek. Dr. Dwyer then received his MD degree from New York Medical College in 1966. An internship and surgical residency at Greenwich Hospital in Connecticut where he was Chief Resident as well as President of the House Staff were followed by residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Connecticut, where he also served as Chief Resident and President of the House Staff. He then served in the Army as a Major at Dewitt Army Hospital at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. Dr. Dwyer then turned down teaching positions in Connecticut and Virginia, and he went into private practice in Pt. Pleasant, N.J. and two years later co-founded Pineland Associates and served as its President until 1998. A Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, it is estimated he delivered over 9,000 children during his career. He was a member of numerous societies including the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the State and County Medical Societies, and the Boards of Laparoscopy, Sonography, and Infertility. Dr. Dwyer was a founding member of the Wall Rotary Club and a coach for both the Wall Soccer Club and St. Rose Grammar School. At St. Rose he was a member the Finance Committee for many years. At the Medical Center of Ocean County he served three terms as Chief of the Department of Ob/Gyn and was elected Chief of Staff. Dr. Dwyer subsequently was appointed to the Medical Centers' Board of Trustees. At Manasquan River Golf Club Dr. Dwyer was elected to the Board of Trustees and acted as House Chairman for five years. He was a member of the President's Council at Holy Cross College and a former member of the Presidents' Councils at Fairfield University, Loyola College, and Rosemont College, where he also served as Co-Chairman of the Parent's Council. Dr. Dwyer was a co founder of both the Saranac Lake Hunt and Fish Club and the Spring Lake/Belmar Walkers/Joggers Association. He served on the Board of Trustees of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of the Jersey Shore for many years and was elected their President. In 2005 he was honored as their Irishman of the Year. Dr. Dwyer was a member of the Manasquan River Golf Club. Dr. Dwyer enjoyed public speaking, being the spokesman for Brick Hospital's original TV advertisements, a guest speaker at St. Peter's College, St. Rose and Red Bank Catholic High Schools, WOBM and SOCH as well as lecturer for Wyeth Ayerst Pharmaceuticals. He most enjoyed his role as Master of Ceremonies for over twenty years of doctors' outings at Ocean Medical Center. He recently completed a book containing his best medical stories. A parishioner at St. Rose of Belmar for over thirty years, Dr. Dwyer was in the St. Luke Society as well as being active in supporting the home for retired priests. In 1998 Dr. Dwyer opened a new department of Ob/Gyn at Southern Ocean County Hospital which he did while establishing Stafford/Barnegat Ob/Gyn associates. He then served as Chief of the new department and was appointed to the Executive Committee where he served for five years. Dr. Dwyer then became a principle in Pavilion Health Care of Stafford Township, from which he retired in December of 2007. Golf, trout fishing, skiing, jogging as well as cross stitching and needlepoint were his hobbies. He loved his "boardwalk buddies," his cronies from Spring Lake Golf Club, and his Sunday golf partners at Manasquan, but his main love was always his family. Known for his sense of humor, his quick one-liners, his bow ties, his generosity, his talented hands in the OR and his love and devotion for his family-for these Dr. Dwyer will be remembered.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years Patricia O'Donnell Dwyer, his daughter Cathleen Murphy and her husband Martin of Norfolk, MA, and their children Caitlin, Lauren, Martin, and Megan, his son Patrick Dwyer and his wife Jeannie of Spring Lake Heights, and their children Patrick, Brendan, and Erin, his daughter Maura Comer and her husband Richard of Lansdowne, VA, and their children Richard, Brian, and Cate, his son Kevin Dwyer and his wife Kristi of Haddonfield, and their children Kevin and Ireland, and his daughter Megan Kerr and her husband Edward of Wall and their children Maggie, Maura, and Edward. He is also survived by his brother Dennis C. Dwyer and his wife Susan of Saranac Lake, NY, a sister-in-law Cathleen Malpass of Brick, and a brother-in-law James O'Donnell of Yorktown Heights , NY, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Friday August 14th at O'Brien Funeral Home in Wall. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Saturday, August 15 at The Church of St. Rose, Belmar, followed by a burial at St. Anne's Cemetery in Wall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose Grammar School, 605 Sixth Avenue, Belmar, NJ 07719.
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Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Dwyer
Susan Gmahle
September 12, 2009
I just had to share this story...Dr. Dwyer delivered my second child, November 15, 1997. It was Friday the 14th and I went in for a scheduled appt. I was already 5 days late and he asked us, so when do you want to have this baby? I'm thinking he was gonna schedule an induction for Monday. No, he said meet me at the hospital tomorrow at 7am. What? A Saturday? I was shocked that a Dr. would suggest it and not just wait until Monday. He was there every step of the way. He sat in the room with us, played cards with my husband and held my hand during what could have been a stressful time. Anyway, he was the kindest, gentlest, funniest man. He made this experience for me and my family wonderful. You don't find Doctors like that anymore. I truly felt he treated me as he would have wanted his own daughters to be treated. I think I can speak for the mother's of the 9,000+ babies he delivered...We are truly lucky women to have had him as our Doctor.
To his family, my deepest sympathies go out to you. He was such an incredible person. He will be deeply missed.
ToniAnn Pyle
September 9, 2009
This is my story I worked with Dr.Dwyer and on 11/16/06 Dr. Dwyer saved my life. He was my doctor also and I was telling him I had gas pains..and he said baby doll I have to examine you..well he felt something so he did stat blood work, ultra sound and ct scan...my appendix burst because a tumor wrap it self around it...a week later I found out I had stage 3 colon cancer...I was only 40 yrs olf married with a three old daugher..But Dr. Dwyer was there for me everyday with phones calls even when he was in the hospital getting chemo...he still called me and said hang in there you are going to make it...and remember I will be aways on your shoulder..Three years later I am cancer free...because of Dr.Dwyer and yes he is still on my shoulder..as a guardian angel...I will miss you dearly...
Brian Comer
September 4, 2009
Wow ever since my grandfather died there's been a big part of my heart missing. More than a thousand people showed up at his wake which was very special to me and all of the Dwyer family. Every night before I go to bed I just get emotional. It's hard knowing every time i go to New Jersey he won't be there when I wake up, but it makes me feel better knowing he's watching over me in heaven. Thank you all for writing and sharing your stories with us.
September 4, 2009
This is the first time that I have had a moment since my Father's passing to read all of the wonderful things that people have posted here on this site. He clearly touched many lives during his life and would have been honored to have been remembered by so many. Thanks you to everyone who has sent their condolences. Our family appreciates all of your kind words.
Maura (Dwyer) Comer
Arlene Masone
September 2, 2009
So sorry for the loss of a wonderful man and doctor...
Arlene Masone (former patient)
Pauline Savasta
August 28, 2009
Dear Mrs.Dwyer.
Your husband was my doctor since 1976.He delivered all my girls in 1977.1979 and 1982.I was so glad when he opened a office down here in manahawkin He was a great doctor and a great man. I Just found out today, I last saw him in 2007, i sent him a card, cause he cared.He use to say my last name so funny, I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Oh yes and the bow ties he use to wear were so cute
Joann DeMarco
August 26, 2009
Dear Mrs. Dwyer,
Your husband was the only doctor to find my problem and I could never thank him enough. He was indeed a great doctor, but he also genuinely cared about his patients and made us feel special at all times. He was hysterically funny and always made me laugh even during the hard things I needed to hear medically. He will be missed dearly. He was indeed the best doctor I have ever met! God Bless you & your family!
DEBBIE DYLLA
August 22, 2009
Dear Mrs. Dwyer,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dr.Dwyer delivered our boy Brian in"1994" He was the best!He will always hold a special place in our hearts. God Bless you.
Jeff&Debbie Dylla, Toms River NJ
Cammie Warner
August 19, 2009
Dear Mrs. Dwyer,
My very good friend, Christine Speck, just told me of the death of your husband. I was a patient of Dr. Dwyer and he delivered all of my three girls in 76, 77 and 80. I continued to be his patient and always appreciatd his good sense of humor, kindness and professionalism. I know he will be missed my many. My prayers are with you and your family.
Cammie Warner, Toms River, NJ
Mary Reynolds Commisso
August 17, 2009
Dear Patty, I attended Mass on Saturday, August 15 and a friend said to me "did you hear Dr. Dwyer passed away?" Gosh my heart is so heavy, I'm so very sorry. I was a patient for 33 years. We both knew the same people from Eastchester where I grew up. One day I said to him after sitting in his office waiting for him, looking at a family photo, "that looks like Pat O'Donnell from Eastchester". Silence....I said to myself I crossed the line then he said "that is Pat O'Donnell from Eastchester". He couldn't get over I had remembered or recognized you, I told him she was the prettiest girl at ICS. Jimmy and I were in the same class, he onle of the nicest in school!! I even remember where you lived in Huntley Estates.
Just before he retired I told him I would pray for him and he said "don't pray for me, pray for my family". How he loved you all.
God Bless you and comfort you at this time and may the wonderful memories and beauty of his life keep you all.
Sincerely,
Mary Reynolds Commisso
August 15, 2009
Dear Patty, Cathleen, Patrick, Maura, Kevin and Megan,
Your husband and father was a very special man who touched many lives. His strength and courage over these past 5 years are an inspiration to all. May your many memories nourish your broken hearts and help you during this difficult time. I am one who is surely blessed to have known him and rest assured he has a friend in Joe Pro who is now showing him the way in God's Kingdom until we all meet again. With Much Love,
Beth Ann Provenzano McKeown and Family
Mike and Fran Wooley
August 15, 2009
Dear Pat and family,
Our prayers are with you at this time. Mike and I feel fortunate to have met Pat and shared a special time in our lives - he was a lovely person. Our thoughts are with you.
Jean Getz
August 14, 2009
Dr.Dwyer will surely be missed by many. I have never been to another Doctor who was as gentle and kind as he was. He was my Doctor for 30 years and I always looked forward to seeing him. May God grant him eternal rest.
kathleen stone
August 14, 2009
dear mrs. Dwyer& family
both my husband and myself were saddened to hear about DR.Dwyer,s passing.i first met him twenty years ago when we were expecting our first daughter and have over twenty years of stories just few come to mind,it was july 1990 he comes to the delivery room wearing his firecracker pants ,we had a laugh about that and him taking pictures of us and our new baby girl .I gave him a baseball from Alex Rodriguez to give to his grandson (a yankee fan )then there is the wintergreen mints ihad to bring him when i came to the office ,no hello how are you to me in stead he would say got my stuff and i have been told he would just drop the rappers . i remember him telling me that he got the big C so please pray for me . i went out and got him this irish key chain with the saying (i will hold you in the palm of my hand )i remember stopping by his daughter,s house and gave her a bag of mints to give him and she saked my name and i told her just give them to him he will know who they are from . DR.Dwyer saved my life in 2002 and for that i will always love him he was the best and he will always be my favorite doctor .thank you for sharing him with all of us im sure there were days and nights dad was away . kathleen stone
David&Margaret Joanne Cotton
August 14, 2009
We will always remember the ice-storm morning when we made it to the office to hear the wonderful news from our beloved Dr. Dwyer that Joanne was pregnant with our first child. Thanks for sharing his wonderful life with us and with so many others. God bless!
Linda Plunkett
August 14, 2009
To The Dwyer Family,
Dr. Dwyer delivered my son Curtis Plunkett who will be 21 in Oct. I will never forget him, I met him on the delivery table, my doctor was on vacation. He told me NICE to meet you Plunkett lets get on with it. Only a minute went by when they had to get him from the hallway outside doing his needlepoint waiting for me, he came in and said this is the way I love it, I make my money fast with a patient like you !!!! He was great and Curtis was born quickly, he told me at the end that this may hurt and you could call me any name in the book. Well this is for you Dr. Dwyer, Love you and will never forget you and that morning in the delivery room.
Dennis & Lisa Halpin
August 14, 2009
Mrs. Dwyer and Family,
Dennis and I were both extremely saddened to hear of Dr. Dwyer's passing. He was a wonderful doctor to me and and even greater friend to Dennis. Our deepest condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. We will never forget him.
Mary Beth Hernandez-Willmot
August 14, 2009
It was my honor and pleasure to work with Dr. Dwyer. As a young nurse on Brick Hospital's single room maternity department I always felt safe and inspired while working with him. His patients received the best care possible and he always comforted them by saying, "If you where my daughter this is what we would do!" My favorite Dr. Dwyer saying has to be, "Kid, this life is not a dress rehearsal so make yourself happy!" He was a fantastic man!
Sherry and Tim Doyle
August 14, 2009
Dear Mrs. Dwyer and Family,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Dr. Dwyer was the BEST doctor in the world!! He delivered our two boys--Timmy born in 1993 at Brick Hospital and Shawn born in 2000 at SOCH. I started as a patient of his at Pineland Associates, then went to Point Pleasant, and then followed him all the way down to Barnegat. That's how very special he was. Dr. Dwyer will forever be in our memories and hearts.
Love, Sherry and Tim Doyle (MRGC)
Harriet Mancini
August 13, 2009
I was a patient of Dr Dwyer for 30 wonderful years.He was the best! Nothing was ever a problem in his eyes, because he was always confident that he could make it better and he always did.His compassion, confidence and caring were his stronger points and you always left his office smiling.He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Debbie Promisel
August 13, 2009
Unforgettable Dr. Dwyer ("Dr. Bermuda")... a genuine gentleman and all around wonderful person. He delivered my two children 21 & 17 years ago, and was so very, very proud of his own family. Thank you to the Dwyers for sharing this amazingly talented fellow with those of us fortunate enough to have been under his care.
August 13, 2009
Dear Patty and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Pat's departure. He was truely a special man and I feel honered to have known him. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Alana Larsen
Patricia McGee
August 13, 2009
Pat Dwyer is truly one one of the most special people I have had the privelege to know both professionally and personally. It was delightful to be in his company! He just had a way of making you feel so special. I was grateful to be able to visit with him during his last hospitalization while my own dear husband was also a patient. He was a inspiration to me and so concerned about my Bill. We are still "fighting the fight" and he had no way of knowing how much he helped me that day. He is now gone home to God and will certainly be a very important angel! Our love and prayers are with his beautiful wife and family. I feel blessed to have known him.
JoAnne Piaggio
August 13, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Dwyer. I am a nurse and worked with him for many years at Brick Hospital. He was also my doctor and if it wasn't for Dr. Dwyer, my husband and I would not have our beautiful daughter, Elizabeth. He was a wonderful man who loved his family very much and he was also a wonderful doctor. I was very sick and he knew immediately what was wrong and made me better. I will miss him very. very much. May God comfort you in this time of loss.
Marlene Rafferty
August 13, 2009
I am very saddened by the news of my beloved Dr. Dwyer passing away. I've been a patient of his for 37 years; he delivered my daughter. I have followed his practice wherever he had an office, even when he was in group practice here in Brick, I chose him to be my OB-GYN.
Although I knew that he had been fighting prostate cancer (his Forked River office told me two years ago that he had to retire due to it), I saw his recommended OB-GYN not too long ago who told me that Dr. Dwyer didn't expect to make his birthday in April of this year.
One of the most sweetest, funniest, wittiest, nicest, professional doctors I have ever known. Our world is a little sadder now.
May God keep his hands on the Dwyer family during this time.
Kim Taylor
August 13, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved family member. Dr. Dwyer delivered my son at point pleasant hospital in april of 1994 and then also my neice at SOCH in november of 1999. he was a great great man as well as a great doctor. the one and only doctor i ever felt comfortable with from my first visit. you have lost a special man but heaven has gained a very special angel!!!!! your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Nesposudny
August 13, 2009
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of my favorite doctor, Dr. Dwyer. My deepest sympathy for the family. Although I have never met his family, let it be known that he talked about all of you always. His eyes would light up and be so proud whenever I asked him what was new. He has been my doctor since 1980, when I started going to Pinelands Associates. I have 2 children through the helps of that special guy. Loved the bow ties and that laugh of his. How very honored and blessed I was to know him. He always made me feel so very special and was such a down to earth guy. Too bad not all doctors could have been like him. He was the best. Thank you for all the memories!
August 13, 2009
Dr. Dwyer was the best doctor I ever had. He was also a very friendly and caring person. He will be sorely missed. God bless you and your family...
Maria Kahl
August 13, 2009
Dear Patty and family, I am truely sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. We surely had some good times in our old neighborhood. I hope the wind is always at his back. Love, Maureen Connolly and family
Linda Gillick
August 13, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Dr. Dwyer's family. He was one of my doctors for many years. He was a special doctor and human being. He helped deliver our second son Michael and helped me through my miscarriage. I will always remember his smiling face and his bow ties. Heaven has gained a very special man.
Barbara Swain
August 13, 2009
Dearest Patty, and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Dr.Dwyer will be missed. But leaves us all with wonderful memories.
Love,
Barbara Swain
August 13, 2009
Dr. Dwyer delivered my daughter, Betsy, Oct 1, 1979. He was a wonderful doctor. I am so sorry for your loss. Mary Palazzo (Monmouth Beach)
Karen Ali
August 13, 2009
I always so loved your parents when we were growing up. Both your mom and dad were always so warm and loving. Sending big hugs to all of you and your mom and remembering your wonderful dad. I hope all the happy memories you have shared bring smiles and laughter to you all again soon. Big big hugs.
Susan Fevola
August 13, 2009
I was Dr. Dwyer's patient for 40 years. He always made me feel like I was his only patient,taking all the time in the world. I can still hear him coming down the hallway,calling "Fevola, Fevola". We had many talks about our families. I remember one visit, I was the last patient that morning and he was so excited about getting to the hospital in time for the birth of one of his grandchildren. He cared for my daughter and delivered my granddaughter. On my last visit in 2007, we had a long talk about his cancer--talked about his life and his family. I was moved by his calmness and acceptance, yet with a determination to grab as much of life as he could. I have lost more than my doctor,I have lost a dear friend. The world has lost a very good man. My prayers and thoughts go out to everyone in his family.
Bonnie Lavin
August 13, 2009
My sympathies to the Dwyer family. Dr. Dwyer was one of my doctors during my miscarriages and eventually the birth of my first daughter (who is now 15) while he was at Pinelands Assoc. Though his shift was up by the time my daughter decided to make her debut into the world, his humor, wit and warmth kept me going through the labor as he sat in the room with my husband and I that morning. We had a lot of laughs in the room that morning. Imagine, laughing during labor! His warmth and compassion during my miscarriages was also something I will never forget.
He will still remain one of my favorite docs. Again, my sympathies to the family. He was a wonderful man.
Sue Snegon
August 13, 2009
Although Dr. Dwyer did not deliver my two sons, I did get to know him during my pregnancies in 1980 and 1983. You had to visit with all of the doctors at Pineland Assoc. because you never knew who was on call when the time came! Ironically, I was just talking about Dr. Dwyer and recalling how I always picture him in my mind with a bow tie and a lollypop in his mouth! Very nice doctor. So sorry for your loss.
Sue Snegon
Cheryl Lewis
August 13, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mare Griffith
August 13, 2009
It was a cold, rainy day, 2/24/1981. After a particularly long and hard labor, Dr Dwyer sat on the edge of my bed in Point Pleasant Hospital and said "You really need to consider what kind of birth control you'd like to use." I told him "Oh you don't have to worry, I won't be having any more children!" He then said "Ah, you say that on this cold, gray, rainy day, but all it's going to take is one moonlit night!" At that point, he was probably the only person who could have made me laugh. What a guy!
bob brady
August 13, 2009
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