August 20, 1954 — December 9, 2018
On December 9, 2018, Joseph "Patrick" Miska, aged 64, passed away unexpectedly in Chicago. He was born August 20, 1954, in Chula Vista, California. Patrick came to San Francisco in 1972 and fell in love with the city he would call home for 46 years.
Patrick worked for Pacific Bell for 32 years and after retirement returned to school to pursue a nursing degree, graduating from City College of San Francisco with a plan to work as a licensed vocational nurse. Instead, he decided to focus his enjoyment on retirement, the gym, and volunteering at Coming Home Hospice.
Patrick was very active in his recovery community — committed to his path, compassionate beyond measure, and intensely dedicated to helping others. He also found great fun and fulfillment participating in the San Francisco and Chicago leather communities for many years.
He was the proud dad of two cocker spaniels, TJ and KC, which he spoiled often.
In 2018, he pulled up his San Francisco roots and pursued his desire to travel and explore, visiting Thailand, Philadelphia, Hawaii, the California desert, and Denver, and settling into his new home, Chicago.
Patrick was a humble, helpful, and eternally giving soul. He always had fun, enjoyed life, and left his unique mark on those who knew and loved him.
As he said many times, "To know me is to love me." And many did.
Patrick was preceded in death by his father, Joseph; his mother, Sylvia; and two partners, Doug and Brad. He is survived by his sisters Monica (Lowell) Bennett and Joanne (Art) Bitts; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and, of course, his close friends near and far, whom he considered family.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Patrick's life Sunday, February 10, at 2 p.m., at Ellard Hall, Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 100 Diamond Street (at 18th), San Francisco, California. Refreshments will be provided.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Patrick's memory may be made to: Pets Are Wonderful Support (http://www.shanti.org/pages/donate.html) and designate PAWS or the National AIDS Memorial Grove (https://aidsmemorial.org/donate/make-a-donation/) and designate "In memory of Patrick Miska."