Aran John Patrican

Aran John Patrican 45, proud father of Thomas Gomes Patrican and 18 year veteran of the Gloucester Police Department died tragically after a fierce battle with an unusually severe case of acute bacterial endocarditis on January 6, 2012. It was a devastating infection of the aortic valve of the heart and the surrounding tissues including the aorta and the heart muscle itself. In addition to his son, Thomas, he leaves behind his father Edmond Patrican, his brother Aaron, his sister Brittany, the mother of his son, Waldete Gomes, her daughter Sophia, her sister Wilma Gomes and her nephew Gustavo. His uncle Peter Blackburn and his cousins Jane Johnson, Judith Silva, Fred White, Jr., and Herman Patrican, Jr. Aran was predeceased by his mother Pauline Patrican and his brother Ryan Patrican, both in 1991. There were a group of friends with whom he maintained an extraordinary brother-like relationship from early childhood until adulthood. Though impossible to name them all, this group included John Dana Perry, Jr., Terrence Oder, Gregory Perry, Paul Genovese, Mark Earl James Marr, Jr. He considered his fellow officers brothers. He provided much needed council and assistance to this group of friends and they to him in mutual support given throughout the years. Patrolman Patrican was a proud member of the Gloucester Police force for 18 years and served the community as a distinguished officer. He was loved immensely by all members of the community. As a policeman he had an intuitive sense of what was needed in a given situation and how best to help. Aran was well known for the respect he accorded the people and community he served. Police chief Micheal Lane stated that Aran was an outstanding officer and an even better person. He was not afraid to risk personal harm to self to come to the aid of another. Some of his most notable acts of bravery included running in to a burning home on Brier Neck and saving the life of an elderly woman, jumping into the surf on Hesperus Avenue and rescuing a lobsterman who had been thrown from his boat, and performing CPR on an infant on Holly Street, preserving the life of the now teenage girl. Aran had a passion for hockey- both as a crafty forward player and a dedicated Boston Bruins fan. He got his start in Gloucester Youth Hockey then continued through the O'Maley School, Gloucester High School, Bridgton Academy and Gloucester Industrial League programs. As a hockey player he forged and maintained many close relationships with a loyal group of friends. These friends and many others will always remember the benefit they received from being exposed to his influence and character. To say that Aran loved the beach would be a tremendous understatement. As a youth and into adulthood he enjoyed many hours in the sun and surf. Numerous friendships were made or enhanced during the animated summer months on the sand. Walking his dog Miaya last week he continued to take full advantage of the jewel in his neighborhood that is Good Harbor Beach. He had an interest in current events and was a proud member of the Elks. There was strong support and a fierce loyalty to the military. During the Iraq war he personally corresponded weekly through email with friend and brother officer, Clifford Alves, who was serving on the ground. Aran was always available in time of need for friends and loved ones. At home he tended to his mother through her fight with cancer while at the same time helping to raise his brother Aaron. He also looked after his Aunt and Grandparents throughout their lives and then during their illnesses. He had a strong personality and keen sensibilities as well as an innate leadership quality that drew people to him. He was fun to be around, had a sharp wit, and was never at a loss for a way to lighten a situation. Throughout his distinguished life he plied his good nature to the betterment of others and in his work life sought to help the less fortunate. His legacy is that he left the community a much better place for his service. His funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Ann's Church on Wednesday, January 11th at 10:30 a.m. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester on Tuesday from 3 to 8 p.m. The burial will be held in Seaside Cemetery, Lanesville. In lieu of flowers donations would be appreciated to a fund established for the education and provision of his son Thomas. TO: Rockport National Bank c/o Kelly Kirkman, P.O. Box 90, Rockport, MA 01966. Please make checks out to:"For the Benefit of Thomas Patrican"