Patrick Michael Donahue

Patrick Michael Donahue, 27, formerly of Burr Ridge Illinois, passed away unexpectedly September 8, 2025, in the inspiring wilderness of Yosemite National Park, a place dear to his heart. An accomplished young man whose kindness touched so many.
Born on December 5, 1997, in Hinsdale, IL Patrick was the son of Michael A. Donahue and Devera Hayes (Mark Baldry), and the cherished older brother of Keaton Donahue. Grandson to Mary C. Donahue and Christy Hayes, and adored by his aunts Suzie, Debbie his godmother, Mary Christine Donahue, Keri Stevenson, and uncle Patrick Donahue. Patrick was supported by a family including numerous cousins who treasured his warmth and loyalty. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, D. Patrick Donahue and Ronald Hayes, and his uncle Tom Donahue.
Patrick's family and friends treasured his gentle spirit. His smile radiated warmth and his laughter was beautifully infectious, amplifying his sense of humor. Those who knew him well remember him for his authenticity, humility and unwavering loyalty to those he held closest.
Patrick was an "old soul"--introspective and deeply empathetic to all, be it humans or the numerous pets he cared for throughout his lifetime. His massive heart was always on display even in his understated mannerisms. While taking a solo roadtrip to visit national parks in the West, Patrick stopped into an animal shelter in the desert and asked the front desk attendant, "Could I meet the dog who's been here the longest?" He was introduced to Socks, who Patrick quickly renamed "Sox" to honor his beloved White Sox and they became inseparable for the remainder of his life. To see Sox greet him after periodic times apart displayed that she knew what he did that day to change her life as she looked at him with such love and devotion. His million watt smile simultaneously was magical to behold.
Growing up in Hinsdale and Burr Ridge, Patrick's boundless energy found an outlet on basketball courts, baseball diamonds, and soccer fields. By age nine, he'd earned a black belt in Taekwondo. His athletic passion soon turned to the fast-growing sport of lacrosse-a discipline he mastered. He honored the history of the sport and its Native American roots and soulful traditions. Recognized as an All-American at Fenwick and earning a scholarship to Marquette University, Patrick played the game fiercely but with honor-happiest behind his helmet and pads, modest about the accolades that followed.
An earnest student of life with an insatiable curiosity, Patrick devoured books on psychology self-improvement, biographies, leadership, and Native American culture. His interests ran deep-whether starting a new job, planning for his future, or, after lacrosse, teaching himself golf in a few months until his score bested his father's. Born of his love of books and personal life experience, he was a poetically philosophical writer often pondering the deeper meanings of life.
Most precious to Patrick was his bond with his brother, Keaton. Inseparable from birth, the brothers filled their home with laughter, played sports side-by-side, and bonded over everything from movies to frog-catching adventures in "Frog City," their neighborhood pond. They were each other's defenders and supporters, a connection marked by endless stories and shared joy.
Patrick's love of adventure led him from IMG Academy in Florida to the University of Colorado, Boulder, to the northern California Bay Area before ultimately accepting his most recent job in the majestic valley of Yosemite. He embraced a deep spirituality quest, traveling to Ireland on a transformative mission trip with other young adults and touched those he met along the way as he absorbed great wisdom from the "old sod."
A Celebration of Patrick Michael's life will be held on Friday, October 24 at Christ Church, 501 Oak Brook Road, Oak Brook, IL, beginning at 2:00 p.m., preceded by a visitation at 12:30 p.m.
Patrick's life was guided by inspirational lessons and quotes, including Jung's "Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes," and John Wooden's wisdom, "Make Today Your Masterpiece." May Patrick be at peace, held always in the loving arms of his relatives and Creator.
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