Patrick Warren Comstock, 38, died in a tragic hiking accident January 30, 2022 on the Tahquitz Peak Trail in the California San Jacinto Mountains. Patrick was born on February 18, 1983 and grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia. He graduated from Churchland High School, the College of William & Mary (BA, Summa Cum Laude, PBK), Pace University (MA), Harvard Divinity School (MTS), and Columbia University Teacher's College (PhD). He was a resident of Rockaway Beach, New York.

Patrick was a well-beloved educator, from his first teaching job with elementary students with Teach for America to his most recent as an Assistant Professor at Relay Graduate School of Education in New York, where he taught general pedagogy and English Language Arts (ELA) content to hundreds of students working towards certification and Masters' Degrees. Patrick was a cross country athlete in high school and college; he was also an accomplished singer, surfer, and hiker. He traveled widely, having spent time in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean. His teammates, colleagues, and students describe him as kind and compassionate with a calming presence. He was passionate in his study of meditation in the Zen Buddhist tradition, Christian theology and practice, in addition to his highly adventurous spirit and curiosity.

Patrick is survived by his parents, Dr. James R. (Ray) Comstock, Jr. and the Rev. Ellen W. Comstock, his brother Timothy L. Comstock, his partner Fay Schneider, and a host of friends.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 2:30 pm at Monumental United Methodist Church, downtown Portsmouth. Face masks are required.

Memorial gifts may be made to the W&M Athletic Educational Foundation (Cross Country), W&M Departments of Religious Studies or Music, or your local not-for-profit supporting public education. Or plant a tree in Patrick's memory. Condolences may be shared at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot from Feb. 13 to Feb. 16, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Comstock

Sponsored by the family.

37 Entries

Jerriann Kutny

February 12, 2024

Thinking of the family at this time.

Christine Simko

February 12, 2023

A year since your passing and thinking about how such a good and model human could tragically just lose his life like it´s nothing certainly makes one feel a host of feelings. Thinking about how many lives you touched by simply being present, being the best listener, kind, thoughtful, fun. I truly hope you´re watching over your loved ones, I cannot imagine their loss compared to the 5 years I got to become your friend. Going surfing with you and getting beer and tacos. So simple, yet we never know when the simplest of memories are going to be the most precious. When people like you, Patrick, pass away... I just hope there is life after death.

Jerriann

February 11, 2023

My heart is full for the parents today. Sending peace.

Duncan Miller

July 25, 2022

My condolences to Patrick´s family for this loss. Patrick taught me in my second year at Relay and he genuinely transformed my teaching practice and entire educational philosophy. He pushed and challenged my thinking and I have been doing that for my students ever since. His legacy lives on in my classrooms and his mindfulness work I did just this week. Thank you for raising an exceptional human. He is missed.

Sharon Darrell

Planted Trees

Christine Simko

March 8, 2022

It was by random "luck" that 5 days after the news article was posted that he had fallen on his usual retreat, that I happened to think of him and decide to google him since I no longer had his number. I dated Patrick when I lived in nyc and we became pretty good friends before I moved to California. I am absolutely heartbroken for this loss and I cannot imagine what the family must be going through. Patrick was a model meditator and he had a special way of making everyone feel at ease and able to be themself. I usually stay with Patrick when I visit the east coast but because of the pandemic, I´d had to cancel two flights in the last two years, therefore, travel plans to surf and catch up were delayed... I just cannot believe he is gone.

Joe and Carolyn Savinsky

Planted Trees

Shannon Reid

March 2, 2022

I was heartbroken to hear of Patrick's death. I was a student of his recently in the middle of the pandemic and all of our classes were virtual. Even through the computer screen, it was difficult not to feel the effect of his relaxed composure. Other than his wealth of knowledge, one memory that stands out to me was this one Saturday morning class in the middle of a stressful semester. With a million thoughts racing through my mind and a list of assignments that demanded my attention, I sat down at my computer for class. I was so relieved when he decided to spend the first 30 minutes or so teaching us mindful breathing techniques. I felt the weight of work, school, and the pandemic lift from my shoulders and I remember thinking to myself that I will always find time to do this with my students.

I learned a tremendous amount from him in my short time as one of his students. His calm demeanor and positive attitude in class impacted me greatly at a time when the entire world felt anything but calm. I think of him and refer back to his teachings frequently as I try my best to emulate his mindfulness and his compassion for others.

Andrew Shurtleff

Planted Trees

Jackie Kosakowski

Planted Trees

Laila Gatts

February 20, 2022

We are indescribably sorry for the loss of your love, Fay. Love and healing to you, and Patrick’s family.

Elizabeth Axson

February 20, 2022

Ray and Ellen, my heart sunk when I saw Pat's obit. Had I not been visiting my brother I wouldn't have known about this b/c I no longer receive the newspaper. What a brilliant young man he was and what a adventurous life he led. And being an educator makes him a super hero! Though his 38 years were cut short, he sure did pack a lot in to it while he was on this earth.
There are no words I can say to take away the enormous pain you both are dealing with but do know this, I am praying for you, keeping all of you in my thoughts, and sending positive vibes of healing, health and hope. I will be there today to support you and pray with you.

Jesse Foster

Planted Trees

Debbie Chen

February 18, 2022

I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Comstock was one of the best professors I have ever had. He was always thoughtful in his responses during class discussions no matter how challenging the topic. When observing my teaching, his feedback was constructive and encouraging. Conversations with Dr. Comstock led me to consider the effect mindfulness could have on my students and me. Years after graduating, practicing mindfulness is still a part of my classroom routine. Because of him, I improved greatly as an educator. His legacy will live on in the students and teachers he taught.

Kelli and Bill Willshire

February 18, 2022

Dear Ray and Ellen,
We are so very sorry to hear of Patrick's tragic death. Sounds like he got a lot out of the life he had and died doing what he enjoyed. As sad as it is, that may be the best type of death possible. You are in our prayers and have our sincerest condolences.

Kelli and Bill

Gena Lindquist

Planted Trees

Gena Lindquist

February 18, 2022

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Juanita Greene

Planted Trees

Romina Piersanti

February 17, 2022

My deepest condolences for your tragic loss. Patrick was such a good man and I feel so incredibly grateful to have known him. He talked about you all, his family, with so much love. I remember him sharing stories about his trips to Asheville and about the impact you all had on him and his path. So much will remain in my heart always. Little things like how he always made it a point to have lunch sitting away from his computer, or how he moved to Rockaway to be close to the beach, or how he welcomed me into his peaceful home where I could plant sit while he went on his annual meditation retreat. He was such a special person and I'm so deeply sorry this happened. He truly touched so many peoples lives and will continue to do so with his long lasting spirit and energy that has infused us all.
With love,
Romina (friend and former colleague)

Romina Piersanti

Sent Flowers

Jessica, Tom & Luka Reich

Planted Trees

Michael Blankenburg

Planted Trees

Eoin Gronningsater

February 16, 2022

I was so saddened to hear about Dr. Comstock's passing. His passing is a great loss to the world. Without really knowing it, Dr. Comstock had huge impact on me and the approach I take as an educator.

I will remember numerous things about professor Comstock, but there are a few things that continue to standout four me. I will remember his passion for the outdoors and everything it has to offer, I will remember his contagious smile that rarely left his face. Most of all, I remember his palpable passion for education, his desire to make the world a better place for every child, and his enthusiastic insistence that every person, no mater who are where, deserves to learn, read, and love.

Thanks for leaving the world better than you found it Dr. Comstock, we will miss you.

Tyra Frederick

Planted Trees

Carey Swanson

February 16, 2022

I was so deeply sorry to hear about Patrick's death. We served together on the board for Doodles Academy for several years, working closely on the education committee, and it was such a pleasure to work with Patrick. His calm demeanor, and the care that he showed as an educator, was truly special. Sending so much love and light to his friends and family as you navigate this time- his memory will hold strong in so many of us.

Rose Dougherty

Planted Trees

Kelli and Steve Westby

Planted Trees

Andrew Shurtleff

February 14, 2022

I am sorry for your loss and wish to share my impression of Patrick. Conversations with Patrick left me feeling appreciated and understood. Spending time with him was uplifting, engaging, and fun. His calm energy and clarity of mind were gifts that I and so many others were fortunate to receive. He navigated challenging topics without resorting to negativity when we were students at Columbia. This ability of his remained strong as we reconnected in recent years. Whether surfing or discussing the state of the world, Patrick was a smart and adaptive individual whose calm and compassionate approach made the world a better place. I miss him dearly and am grateful that he was my friend. I wish love and healing to all those who knew him.

Michael LeGrande

February 14, 2022

I was sorry to hear about Patrick's Passing. We went to high school together and he was always so kind. He was always wise beyond his years and one of the smartest people I have ever known. May he Rest In Peace.

Michael LeGrande

Lynn Stallcop

February 12, 2022

I'm so sorry for your loss of Patrick. I remember Patrick and Tim sharing their musical talents on Christmas Eve one year. May God wrap his arms around your family during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Angela Harrivel

February 12, 2022

Our sincere condolences for your tragic loss. His spirit lives on in the many he taught and inspired.
- Angela Harrivel and Sam Straight

Angela Harrivel

Planted Trees

Mary Carolyn Last

February 12, 2022

What an exemplary human being, taken so soon. Praying God´s peace over Patrick´s family, friends, and the many lives he touched.

Veronica Sumner

February 12, 2022

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Jerriann Hord Kutny

February 11, 2022

I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and strength in the days, weeks and months ahead. May your friends payers and strength be steadfast in your grief. Blessings of God's love over you.

Victor P.

February 11, 2022

To Patrick's family,

I am praying and sending you all my love. I know that this is a very tough time for you all and I just want you to know that I am thinking of you all.

I was blessed to have Patrick as a professor for two years while I attended Relay. Patrick and I shared our common interest in teaching where he would come and observe me teach my classes and give me brilliant tips on how to become an even more effective teacher while still finding ways of making me feel like this is what I'm meant to be doing in my life. I will never forget the nervousness I had on the day of my Oral Defense presentation and having several strangers critique my work. Patrick was there and his presence made it so much easier to defend my work and data that I collected. He played a major role in helping me prove that I was worthy of earning my Master's degree in Education. As a student I also was able to share my love of music with Patrick and we would chat and discuss our favorite songs, musicians, and what inspired us as he too was a musician. Patrick will be deeply missed. His legacy is carried not only in the walk I take everyday in my own life, but all of his students who were blessed to have his a professor / mentor.

Bob and Kathy Wise

February 11, 2022

We were deeply saddened to hear of Patrick´s tragic accident. My you find peace in your memories of a life we´ll lived.

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