Patrick Robert Hearns

Patrick Robert Hearns (12/22/1948 to 7/17/24) of Frankfort, MI (formerly of Royal Oak, Ortonville and Grand Blanc) passed away at home under hospice care which provided him the opportunity to enjoy one more Northern Michigan summer visiting with friends, family and his precious grandchildren (Patrick 9, Garet 7, and Amelia 4).

On Dec. 22, 1948, Patrick was born to Robert W. Hearns and Alberta May (Shonka) Hearns in Royal Oak where he lived for many years. He married his wonderful wife Kathryn Elizabeth (Novak) Hearns on July 1st, 1983. They raised their two sons, Brian Patrick (Amelia (Amy) Catania) Hearns and Joseph Robert (Avery Cook) Hearns. Brian and Amy are parents to Pat and Kathy's grandchildren.

Patrick grew up in Royal Oak with siblings: Theresa (Mike Dover) Hearns, Michael and Carol (Baron) Hearns, Timothy and Jody (Meyers) Hearns, Grace (Hearns) Dier, Cyndi (David) Pietrowski and Robert W. (Paula VanLoozen) Hearns II. He attended St Dennis elementary school, where he would proudly go on to work, graduated St. Mary's high school, and from the University of Detroit and Oakland University.

Pat worked professionally in education for more than 40 years as a teacher, coach (baseball and football), counselor, assistant principal and athletic director. The majority of his career was spent at Madison Heights Bishop Foley with stops at North Branch High School, Grand Blanc High School and finishing up his career at Flint Powers Catholic High School. His work in education was a driving force, and work he was proud. In his final weeks he was touched by the out pouring of support from 40+ plus years of colleagues, students, student athletes, and friends along the way. Pat's (40+), Kathy's (30+), and his sons and daughters-in laws work in education is something he has always been proud of as the "family business."

Pat is a member of the Detroit Catholic League Hall of Fame for his work as a coach at Bishop Foley. He is exceptionally proud of his work at North Branch, building an AP program and a winning mindset in the baseball program including a District title. Working at Powers Catholic was always a dream come true for Pat as his career wrapped up. Catholic Education meant a lot to Pat.

Pat was also a proud member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Burton, MI where he served as a eucharistic minister and as the business manager for several years.



He felt blessed to be surrounded by such a wonderful family and great times from his siblings and their spouses, in-laws and spouses, his sons and daughter in- laws and the grandchildren he adored. "No one was more blessed than me."

Pat is survived by his wife of 41 years Kathy, their sons Brian (Amy) and Joe (Avery), grandchildren Patrick, Garet and Amelia, brothers and sisters Theresa, Mike, Tim, Grace, Cyndi, and Bob. Numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Many cousins and friends. He is also survived by in-laws who he cherished, Steve (Barb) Novak, Peggy (Joe) Bedz, Paul (Carol) Novak, Jim (Cheryl) Novak, Rick (Andrea) Novak, Michael (Jeannie) Novak, and Gary (Melissa) Novak.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Robert (Alberta) Hearns, Father and Mother in- law Joe (Harold) and Marilyn Novak, his grandparents William (Grace) Hearns, and Daniel (Winnifred) Shonka, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, his sister Patricia Marie Hearns and brother in-law Lynn Whalin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pat Hearns Scholarship at Powers Catholic. This scholarship will be used to continue Pat's legacy in supporting students in education.

Pat's Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Burton, MI on Saturday July 20th at 10am. Visitation at 9, and a reception to follow Mass.