Patrick William Golden, 76, of Key Largo, Florida, formerly of East Berne, New York, died peacefully on Friday, July 11, 2025.

Born on Dec. 19, 1948, in Teaneck, New Jersey, he was the son of Joseph A. Golden and Helen Byrne Golden, originally from Carbondale, Pennsylvania. He was the brother of Marie Lounsbury-Galicki, Joseph Golden, Jim Golden, and Michael Golden.

“Patrick graduated from Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School in 1966,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He was always an avid reader, and he excelled in mathematics.

“In 1966, Patrick joined the Seafarer’s Union in the Port of New York and served as an engineer for the United States Merchant Marine from 1967 to 1972. He is a graduate of the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Piney Point, Maryland, and of the Modern School of Welding.

“On board ship, Patrick was designated as a fireman, water tender, oiler, seaman, lifeboatman, and steward assistant. His primary responsibility was in the engine room.

“In 1967, during the height of the Vietnam War, his ships were charged with delivering ammunition, supplies, and beer to our U.S. troops. ‘Not for the slight of heart,’ he’d say, ‘as we sat in the middle of Tonkin Bay, the target of both sides!’

“Through hurricanes in the east and typhoons in the west, Patrick’s sea voyages took him around the world. From India and Pakistan, Hong Kong, and Japan to Germany, Scotland, Holland, and Belgium, Patrick experienced the world up close and personal.

“In 1972, he survived a serious car accident that landed him in the hospital for over eight months. He later went on to establish a successful excavation business and several other real-estate ventures, including Golden Self-Storage.

“In 1982, he met his life partner and wife, Connie Curley Feldt. They lived on Duane Lake in Duanesburg for over 30 years. Patrick would often serve as her teaching partner when they conducted Hands-On Mathematics Workshops for elementary schools in the Capital District area.

“Patrick loved to cook; Connie loved to eat. They loved to watch basketball. They never gave up on the Knicks or the Heat. They were partners in every sense of the word.

“On the 20th anniversary of their first date in 1982, Patrick and Connie got married in a quiet ceremony on Sept. 18, 2002, in Oneonta, New York. In 2015, they fulfilled a promise to each other to return to Key Largo, Florida, their place of joy, and lived out their days in sunshine and warmth. They were together for 43 years.

“Patrick welcomed family and friends to wherever he called home. His home-cooked country meals and his Irish humor always entertained and made you feel at home. He was a good friend and a good man. He’s already missed.”

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A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave, Menands, N.Y. 12204. https://.www.mohawkhumane.org/