Patrick Gilroy, Former Vertical Software President, Passes Away

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of our dear friend and colleague, Patrick G. Gilroy, who passed away on August 3^rd, 2022 surrounded by his family.

Our offices will be closed on Wednesday, August 10^th,2022 from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm CT.

Patrick G. Gilroy was born on October 27, 1954 in Lost Nation, IA to parents Robert P. and Madonna (Bauer) Gilroy. Patrick grew up on a family farm near Lost Nation, Iowa, and attended Lost Nation High School. After high school, Patrick attended Iowa State University where he studied Agribusiness. In between classes, Patrick regularly put time and sweat into the family farm. The days were not easy, but he worked tirelessly in honor of his mother and father and their love for the land and the family legacy. While on the farm and at school, Patrick learned the business side of farming. He applied this knowledge while also working at the Gilroy Bros. Feed and Supply.

On April 29, 1983, Patrick married the love of his life, Teresa (Park) Gilroy at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa, Iowa. Patrick and Teresa had three children while in Iowa. One day, he took a leap of faith and applied to a sales position looking for someone with grain industry experience and the desire to learn about the newest technology, the personal computer. He was offered a position at Vertical Software in Peoria, Illinois. Patrick jumped at the opportunity for a new adventure, so he packed up and moved the family to Princeville, Illinois – a small town with the promise of a faith-founded community.

As Patrick grew in his position at Vertical Software, he relished the opportunity to eventually lead the company into the future. When the time came, he jumped at the opportunity and pooled resources to buy the company. Him and his partners ran and operated the business for the next thirty years with the help of his beloved wife for the last 22. Throughout the years, Patrick made many friends with clients from across the country. One dear friend recently stated, “He was the only person that could sell snow to an Alaskan.” While traveling across the country he would routinely stop to visit shires, grottos, churches, and historical landmarks to have a gift or story to share with his family.

Despite his busy schedule, Patrick always made time for his family – eventually adding another four kids after moving to Illinois. His five girls and two boys were his life and his love. He spent countless hours at sporting events. If you didn’t spot him along the baseline coaching, he was watching behind the plate and keeping book. Patrick taught his family that commitment, grit, and passion will produce greatness on and off the ball field.

Patrick was a devout Catholic, from the time he was a young boy serving Mass before school to his last days singing in the choir at St. Mary’s of the Woods Catholic Church. He loved to sing and others loved to listen to him belt out hymns of praise. He would sing in the morning, evening, and everywhere. His most cherished time was singing his children to sleep and later to his grandchildren.

Patrick’s faith and commitment to help his fellow man were the pillars to his servant leadership. He was always looking to help anyone in need whether through a warm meal, a ride in a storm along a remote road or grabbing his chainsaw to help clean up after the storm ended. He used his continued success in life to donate to various charities for the less fortunate.

Patrick is survived by his spouse, Teresa (Park) Gilroy, and six children; Lyndsay (Jon) Blank of Princeville, IL, Rose Gilroy of Westfield, IN, Patrick (Cara) Gilroy of Clinton, MA, Molly (Troy) Timmerman of Cambridge, England, Peter Gilroy of Ames, IA, and Bridget Gilroy of Princeville, IL; five grandchildren, Benjamin, Madelyn and Joseph Blank, Cayleigh Gilroy and Cecilia Timmerman; three sisters, Kathleen Gilroy of Villa Park, IL, Mary Gilroy Larson of Davenport, IA, and Margaret Gilroy of Lost Nation, IA; and one brother, Frank Gilroy of Waubeek, IA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Madonna Gilroy; two brothers, Robert and Joseph Gilroy, and his beloved daughter, Caitlin Terese Gilroy. A special thank you to Teresa and Lyndsay, for the many sacrifices made and loving care they gave to Patrick in his final months.

Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial for Patrick Gilroy will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at St. Mary’s of the Woods Catholic Church, 407 South Walnut Street, Princeville, IL, 61559. Father Corey Krengiel will preside. The Christian burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery after the funeral.

An open house visitation will be at the Gilroy family residence, 332 South Santa Fe Avenue, Princeville, IL, 61559, on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Rosary will begin at 8:00 pm. All are welcome. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church or Akron-Princeville Ambulance.

https://www.haskellfuneral.com/obituaries/Patrick-G-Gilroy?obId=25531555#/obituaryInfo