Patrick P. Ackourey

Patrick P. Ackourey, age 55, of the Keyser Valley section of West Scranton, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon at Regional Hospital of Scranton. He is survived by his loving wife, Ann Finnerty Ackourey. The couple celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary on Sept. 15.

Born in Scranton, son of the late Paul and Jean Doris Ackourey. Patrick never lived a day without trying to increase his knowledge and learn new things. He was a graduate of Scranton Preparatory School, class of 1978. He earned a bachelor's degree in human services from the University of Scranton in 1981. He then obtained two master's degrees from the University of Scranton, one in rehabilitation counseling and another in human resources administration. Always seeking to broaden his horizons, he recently became certified as a master gardener by Penn State University. Patrick placed great value on education, a trait he instilled in those closest to him, especially his daughter, Megan Ackourey.

He began his professional career at Community Medical Center where he, while working in the Behavioral Health Unit, became the region's only nationally certified bio-feedback technician. He was employed as a counselor and a director of children's special education programs and adult intellectually disabled education programs for more than 25 years, initially with Concern Counseling and most recently with Friendship House and Keystone Human Services.

Patrick was a true gentleman and a gentle man. He had a true gift that allowed him to effectively communicate with everyone, especially those who really needed someone to listen to them. Without exception, Patrick saw the value in all of us and had a unique way of convincing those he touched of their most special qualities. When Patrick engaged you in conversation, he was the one asking most of the questions, and he truly cared to hear your answers. Those who knew him best will remember him most for his kindness, empathy, quick wit and sense of humor.

He was a loving husband, father, son and uncle, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Although his life was cut tragically short, his accomplishments are many, and the love he provided to his adoring family and countless friends will never be forgotten. He was a member of St. Patrick's Parish in West Scranton. Selfless in nature, Patrick was a neighborhood advocate for numerous charities, including the American Heart Association, the Childhood Leukemia Foundation and the Melanoma Research Foundation. A gifted athlete in his youth, he was a huge fan of all sports. He especially enjoyed rooting for the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Syracuse University Orangemen basketball. Long before fantasy football became popular nationwide, he was a founding member of a league and he enjoyed participating in it every football season for the past 25 years.

He is also survived by his loving daughter, Megan Ackourey of Scranton and her boyfriend, Christian Owens, whom Patrick considered a son; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Nancy Gordon Finnerty, Scranton; sisters, Jemeille Ackourey and her husband, Karl Polen, of Phoenix, Ariz.; JanineWetter and her husband, attorney James, of Dunmore; brothers, attorney Peter Ackourey and his wife, Christine, of Ivyland; attorney Paul Ackourey and his wife, Bernadette, of Dunmore; sisters-in-law, Mary Alice Browning and her husband, Kevin, Scranton; Kathleen Finnerty Murray, Scranton; and Patricia Corbett and her husband, Robert, Scranton; brothers-in-law, Thomas Finnerty and his wife, Joann, Old Forge; Paul Finnerty and his wife, Sharon, Scranton; attorney Timothy Finnerty and his wife, Bonnie, Harrisburg; and attorney John Finnerty and his wife, Melinda, Scranton; 26 nieces and nephews, all of whom he adored.

He was preceded in death by infant twins; and his best friend and brother-in-law, Timothy J. "Mur" Murray.

Funeral services will begin on Thursday at 10:15 a.m. from the Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 125 N. Main Ave., Scranton, with an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Church, 1403 Jackson St., Scranton. Interment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 613 Baltimore Drive, #3, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, or to Keystone Human Services, 124 Pine St., Harrisburg, PA 17101.

Visit the funeral home website for directions or to leave an online condolence.