Patrick Kevin Cushing

1987 - 2018

Patrick Kevin Cushing, 31, of Troy, NY; and formerly of Amsterdam, NY, passed away tragically, Saturday afternoon, October 6, 2018 in the Town of Schoharie. Patrick was a pure soul. He loved his family, friends and his girlfriend in a completely unconditional manner. Patrick could walk into a crowded room and walk out later with three new friendships. Not acquaintances, friendships. A special soul in every way. Born in Amsterdam, NY, June 19, 1987, he was the son of Kevin Cushing and Cynthia "Cindy" Carriola Fitzgerald. Pat received his education at St. Mary's Institute and graduated from Amsterdam High School. He also attended Fulton Montgomery Community College in Johnstown, NY. He was employed with the New York State Senate in Albany, NY, at the time of his death. Growing up in Amsterdam NY, Patrick participated in pretty much every sport available - baseball, basketball, football, skateboarding, snowboarding, and soccer. He used his speed, agility and uncanny intelligence to his every advantage. He was the ultimate teammate. After games, he was also the first to shake hands, either consoling or congratulating the opposing team. Later, in his twenties, Patrick discovered Team Dodgeball. Starting in local gyms in Clifton Park, NY and ending up playing in the World Championships in England and home this past year in Madison Square Garden. Patrick was a fierce competitor and left nothing on any sporting field he played on. Most importantly, Dodgeball was an activity where he made new friends from literally all over the world. On hearing of Patrick's accident and passing, far-flung friends expressed their pain and palpable sorrows using social media to share stories. When not playing dodgeball or pursuing his love of photography, Pat played an acrobatic third base (next to his big brother Justin, the shortstop) on many local Amsterdam softball teams. These teammate friends were mostly lifelong friends..some lost in this tragic accident......." Pat is survived by his father, Kevin C. Cushing (Sue Hensley-Cushing) and his mother, Cynthia C."Cindy" Fitzgerald (Myles) all of Saratoga Springs, NY; brother, Justin Cushing (Serena Kim-Cushing) of Colonie, NY; and sister, Hannah Cushing of Menands, NY; stepsister, Sarah Paisley (Erik) of Minneapolis, MN, and Maya Valentin (Manny) of Saratoga Springs, NY; his maternal grandmother, Sandra Carriola of Amsterdam. Aunts, uncles and cousins also survive. Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated Saturday at 9 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Burial at St. Mary's Cemetery, Fort Johnson, NY, will be private for family only. Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Memorial gifts in Pat's name may be made to: City of Amsterdam Recreation Department, MEMO Youth Sports, in memory of Patrick K. Cushing. To send online condolences to the family, visit www.rileymortuaryinc.com.