Patrick Louis Goudy

1957 - 2022

Patrick Louis Goudy
Patrick passed away at home Sunday evening, February 27th surrounded by his wife and sons. He had privately and tenaciously been in a battle with pancreatic cancer, praying to be the 1% that would survive the disease. He was 64 years old.
He was born in Wichita, Kansas to Dolores and Bill Goudy. The family moved to Denver, CO which became home base for the family. He was number 6 of 8 children and had a terrific childhood playing golf in summers and skiing in the winter, always trying to keep up with 4 older brothers. At age 16 he lost his father, an event that greatly impacted him. He went on to graduate from Cherry Creek HS and was lucky enough to be a recipient of the Evans Scholar Golf Caddy Scholarship, a gift he believed changed the course of his life. This allowed him to attend college and become a proud alumnus of the University of Colorado at Boulder. After completing college, he left Colorado and started his career in business, eventually landing in San Diego where he could play golf year-round. While on a cruise in 1988 he met the love of his life, Cheri Balistreri a nurse from San Francisco. Love was instant and profound, and they married in 1989. Pat and Cheri were blessed with two sons, Paul, and Peter. Pat loved being a husband and father and San Francisco became his home. He spent as much time as he could with his boys, never missing a game or an opportunity to encourage them. He was their CYO soccer coach, volunteer chaperone for numerous field trips, and active in all events of St. Stephen School. He could be seen flipping burgers for hot lunch, pancakes for the Christmas breakfast, or chairing the annual golf tournament. He served as President of the Men's Club. The many hours dedicated to the school and church allowed him to foster the friendships he has today. Always willing to host a party; he was known for great costumes, endless laughs, and decorative themes. Holidays with family or events with friends especially those in his 'lodge' were legendary. He next went on to take his time and talent to volunteer at St. Ignatius Prep where the boys went to HS. He became a member of the Fathers Club Board in various positions eventually becoming President. In 2010 he was asked to chair the auction that provides scholarships for students. He felt it was his duty to give back. He hosted a successful and fun event, raising funds for kids and building more friendships. He considered this one of his greatest honors and achievements.
Aside from giving back to his children's schools, he loved to ski and golf. He was an avid golfer known for his smooth swing and ability to find the fairway. He insisted both boys learn to ski, and to play the game of golf as it was a life skill. His best family vacations were road trips, especially visiting National Parks, often including both his mom and mother-in-law in the adventure. When the boys spotted a pink or orange sunset, he magically pulled 'lollipops from the sky'. Times spent with his family were his true passion.
Though his family came 1st, he built a Financial Advisory Practice from the ground up. Not being a native San Franciscan, it was no small task. Never one to shy away from hard work, his dedication created a successful business where he treated his clients as friends. He worked diligently until his death to be assured his clients would be taken care of the way he expected. He honestly enjoyed his work and the benefits it provided his family.
He was a man of great conviction and integrity; his word was his promise. He was a solid guy who was the ultimate husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, coach and friend. He dedicated his life to his family, work, and his Catholic faith. He was rarely without a smile. Understanding he had a short window to travel, he fulfilled a dream trip to France where he and Cheri toasted to a life and a love like no other. He played his last round of golf in December at Pebble Beach while undergoing chemotherapy. He shot an 85 and was disappointed, but happy he parred the 18th hole. The lessons he taught us were to respect yourself and others, never give up, pray, and live every day as if it were your last. We miss his presence already and will never forget him. Perhaps he was not the 1% who survived the cancer, but Heaven has a new angel, 100%.
He is survived by Cheri, his sons – Paul (wife Kassidy), and Peter, his granddaughter – Gianna, siblings, Margaret (Jim), Richard (Joanne), Dan, Steve (Carol), Tom (Deedee), Linda (Neal), and Carol. Mother-in-law – Rosemary Balistreri, his brothers in law, Mario (Theresa), Albert, and a host of nieces and nephews and extended family, and friends who became family. He was predeceased by his parents and Father-in-law - Albert Balistreri.
We thank the host of people who helped shepherd us during this difficult time. Our gratitude is endless.
A Memorial Mass will be held to honor Pat's life at St. Ignatius Church at 650 Parker Ave. San Francisco, CA 94118 on March 19th, 2022, at 11am. In lieu of flowers (none allowed in church during Lent), a donation would be appreciated to help other children attend college and can be made to the Evans Scholar Foundation. (By Check Payable to: Evans Scholars Foundation - 2501 Patriot Blvd. Glenview, IL 60026-8022 In memoriam of Patrick Goudy)