Patrick R. McNamara Memorial Scholarship Fund

When remembering Patrick R. McNamara, his family uses words like “inspirational, larger-than-life, fun-loving, devoted, witty and kind.” 

It’s easy for them to recall wonderful memories of Patrick. He was an outgoing and gregarious person, the center of a close-knit family who care deeply for each other, and the Valley where Patrick was born and raised.  

“Patrick was our older brother and really paved the way for us as we grew up,” said Terry McNamara.  

In 2008, after Patrick unexpectedly passed away, his family sought a meaningful way to honor him. Because of his love of sports and unwavering commitment to family and friends, they created a scholarship in his name at Ansonia High School. For years, the family funded the scholarship by hosting a golf tournament. The Patrick R. McNamara Scholarship Fund supported a graduating Ansonia High School athlete. 

“We felt as a family that it was really the best way to remember Patrick, by helping a student athlete,” said his sister, Eileen McNamara DiMarino. 

When Patrick’s mother, Eleanor, passed away in June of 2022 the family asked that donations go to Patrick’s fund in lieu of flowers. Then, in 2023, the family decided to endow the scholarship permanently at the Valley Community Foundation guaranteeing it would be there for generations to come. 

“The Valley has always been important to our family, and what better way to honor our dad,” said Travis McNamara. “Academics were also very important to our dad,” added Wade McNamara. “He loved talking about books and pushed us to excel in the classroom as much as on the field or in the pool.” 

In 1976, Patrick graduated from Ansonia High and went on to be an All-American wide receiver at Trinity College. He passed his love of sports on to his sons, both were star athletes at Pomperaug High School. Travis went on to be an All-American swimmer at Princeton University and Wade a varsity wide receiver -- like his dad -- at Amherst College. 

“He was devoted to his sons, taking them to daily practice sessions, and would never miss a game, school event or swim meet,” said Nancy McNamara, Patrick’s wife of 20 years. “He was incredibly proud of Travis and Wade.” 

Patrick was successful in the business world too. During his career, he was a banker and created his own company, MAC Mortgages, with his brother, Tim, who fondly recalled working with Patrick. He was also an inaugural partner at Fiduciary Investment Advisors in Windsor. 

“He had the gift of optimism in whatever he did and truly loved life,” said his sister, Maura McNamara Powers. “I think he would want us to follow his example and live life to the fullest and have some laughs along the way.”