Birth date: Nov 14, 1964 Death date: Apr 13, 2022
At 1430 (2:30 p.m.) on 13 April, Patrick John Mooney (also known as Patrick John Francis Xavier Mooney) was delivered into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and reported to Marine Corps Duty Station Pearly Gate Read Obituary
Pat and Robin would shop at the Harris Teeter i work at. Pat once said i am like family to them. Pat you will be miss. Timmy
Pat was a great friend to so many of us. He was also someone who always encouraged me to be my best self. He gave me opportunities that even I was shocked by. Joining the NMMC Docent Corps as a spouse, I wasn't sure if I was qualified to lead tours, teach PME sessions, etc. Pat never stopped asking me to do these things, and always expressed confidence in me, even when I was nervous or anxious. I remember one time, after I had given a tour to a visiting dignitary, I found Pat and said "Hey! Pat! Everything went really well!" And he smiled at me and said "Of course it did - you're Mooney Trained and Mooney Approved!" ha ha
Pat also had a huge impact on my family. In 2018- 2019 we were planning to venture to Europe (my husband, my step-daughter and my in-laws) to trace the footsteps of my husband's grandfathers, who both fought in WW2. Through some research, I found a gravesite that appeared to belong to my mother in-law's great uncle, who had died near Belleau Wood and was buried in Aisne-Marne Cemetery. I brought my research to Pat, who not only lent me a book about the uncle's Army unit, but Pat also noted in the service record that the soldier had not been awarded (posthumously) the Purple Heart. My husband got in touch with the Army, and we were able to surprise my mother in law, at her relative's grave, on a beautiful June day. It's a moment we will never forget, and it was made possible by the care, concern and knowledge of Patrick Mooney. By the way, the guide we had at Belleau Wood that day, who took us on an unbelievable tour? You guessed it - a good friend of Pat's.
Thank you Pat, you touched my life in so many big and small ways. I'll never forget you. Hope you are trading stories with Smedley and Chesty and Baldomero.
Nayla Mengel
I had the honor of meeting Pat at the museum when he contributed to the Marine Corp Heritage Foundation’s work w the Teacher-In-Residence program- a partnership that hosts a local Prince Wm county teacher at the museum to encourage young people to visit and learn the legend and lore of the USMC. Pat was wonderful with our teachers and students. He was generous with his time and eager to share his wealth of knowledge with them. What a wonderful sense of humor he had! It was truly a privilege to have seen him in action, enthralled in his passion, sharing the gift of history and tradition with the next generation of teachers and students. May he Rest In Peace and May God bless and comfort all those who love and miss him.
During my two years as the inaugural teacher in residence at NMMC (2008-2010), I knew no greater friend or mentor than Pat Mooney. His knowledge of the Corps and passion for the Corps were unsurpassed. His professionalism, insight, and love for all things USMC were unparalleled. On a personal level, Pat was a kind, patient, gentle and affable gentleman. I will miss him terribly as will all who love the history of the USMC. Semper Fi, Pat. Looking forward to a beer with you and St. Peter at Tun Tavern.
Aaron Book
"If you don't know, ask Pat!" This was the sign taped to the front desk at The National Museum of the Marine Corps. Pat had all the answers to any question regarding Marine Corps history, military history in general really. Pat was always in a good mood and thrilled to be working at the museum. He was a strong spoken storyteller who would describe every detail enthusiasticly. He really had the gift of emerging you in the story as if you could see it play out infront of your eyes.
I worked side by side with Pat for two years and he was an absolute joy to be around. He would cut up and joke with all the Marines, always up for a party. He would train and lead the docents in classes to keep them sharp. Pat made everyone at the museum a family, not just a workplace, but a close family.
One by one the museum Marines headed back to the fleet or to their next duty station. When my time to head back to the infantry arrived, Pat sadly said to me, "it feels like you guys are mice jumping off a sinking ship." It broke Pats' heart to watch his brothers depart Quantico. He loved us all as brothers and we loved him the same. He looked out for us and we would have done anything for him. We were all one at the museum. Pat left a lasting legacy, he is irreplaceable. "If you don't know, ask Pat!"
Patrick was a genuine pleasure to know and work with. Pat was open and cheerful and loved engaging in discussions of Marine Corps history. His encyclopedic knowledge put others to shame. I always looked forward to any class taught by Pat and all our conversations.
I'm confident that Pat is standing post in heaven, waiting to welcome the rest of us aboard when it's our time.
Rest in Peace, Marine.
Larry Britton
I have so many fond memories of Pat. I met him when we were both students in the first docent class for the National Museum of the Marine Corps. When I met Pat, I thought, "this guy truly seems to know everyone and everything." Because the museum was unfinished, We did not yet have our own facility in which to train or to conduct business. The grand opening was approaching. It was a huge event, attended by the President, the CJCS, the Commandant, many other dignitaries as well as Marines of every living generation. Everyone, including the docents, needed tickets to attend the ceremony. Pat was in charge of distributing the tickets to us brand new docents. He informed us that he would be in the parking lot of a boarded up gas station that used to stand by Quantico's main gate. Getting my tickets to this important event, had the ambiance of buying drugs from your local drug dealer. I pulled into the parking lot and saw two vehicles parked suspiciously close to each other despite no other vehicles being on the premises. One vehicle pulled away as I arrived. Pat was in the vehicle that remained behind. He motioned me to quickly enter his vehicle. When I entered the vehicle, Pat enthusiastically said, "you need tickets? I got your tickets. How many you need?" I told him what I needed. He reached behind the consul into his stash of tickets and gave me my tickets plus an extra ticket. He winked at me and told me not to tell anyone about the extra ticket. (Sorry Pat, I just dimed you out). Then he asked me to leave quickly because another customer had just pulled into the parking lot. I'm going to miss you Pat.
Patrick was one of my first partners as we prepared to open the National Museum of the Marine Corps. He was always eager to share his considerable knowledge of the Marine Corps and forever enthusiastic about our mission. He helped shape the docent corps and the visitor services program, but more than that he was a dear friend to volunteers, young Marines, and staff. Rest In Peace. I know Robin will miss Patrick so much but be comforted by knowing that his pain is gone and his spirit is free to march about. I imagine that he will be reciting the Birthday Message from a new post this coming November.
