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In Memory

Patrick McDonel - Class Of 1995 VIEW PROFILE

Patrick McDonel

Arlington, MA — It’s with the deepest sadness that we announce the death of Patrick McDonel, 46, of Arlington, Massachusetts, who passed away unexpectedly on November 19, 2023, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

 

 

He was born May 1, 1977 in State College, PA, to James McDonel and Cathy (McCracken) Alwine.

 

 

He graduated from John Adams High School in South Bend, IN, in 1995. He was a gifted musician, and played string bass, electric bass, and piano.

 

 

He received his bachelor of science degree from Indiana University—South Bend in 2000, and was named the 2018 Alumnus of the Year by their College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

 

 

He received his PhD in molecular and cell biology from the University of California—Berkeley in 2006, and completed postdoctoral work at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Cambridge.

 

 

Patrick had a distinguished and exciting career working at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Flagship Pioneering, and Dyno Therapeutics.

 

 

More than that, he was a dedicated and empathetic colleague and friend to many, a beloved son and brother and in-law, an amazing dad to his wonderful son Colin, and most especially a devoted husband and partner. He was a bon vivant and consummate host who loved organizing gatherings both small and large. He was a spectacular cook, a seriously skilled bartender, an aspiring barbecue pitmaster, and a lover of competition in all its forms. He cherished his vacations and loved a weekend away in Maine as much as a tropical sailing cruise. He was so, so loved.

 

 

Patrick is survived by his loving wife Erica (Sullivan) and his son Colin, both of Arlington, MA. He is also survived by his brother Erik (Saimai) McDonel and their son William of Phnom Penh, Cambodia; his father James (Doris) McDonel of Roanoke, VA; his mother Cathy (Bill) Alwine of South Bend, IN; his stepsiblings Julianna (Mark) Fujawa of Crumstown, IN, and Christopher (Sarah) Alwine of San Jose, CA; and his first wife, Laurie Gay of Stow, MA. Beloved son-in-law of Martin and Nancy Sullivan and brother-in-law of Tom Sullivan, of Ipswich, MA. He leaves behind a far-ranging community of wonderful colleagues and friends. He was the very best, and we will all miss him more than we can say.

 

 

Patrick never liked being the center of attention, so there will be no formal services or memorial. What Patrick loved most was a party, so there will be a celebration of his life at his home in Arlington, MA, in early May 2024. May his memory be a blessing! In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, please put on a floral shirt, raise a toast to Patrick, and then go tell someone in your life that you love them.

01/08/2024 JFC



Click here to see Patrick's last Profile entry.