Patrick Joseph Crimmins

Patrick Joseph Crimmins, of the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, passed away on May 21, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on October 1, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, Patrick was the eldest child of John Michael and Lucile O’Malley Crimmins. He was raised in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood alongside his eight younger siblings. He earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh before serving as an officer in the United States Navy aboard the USS Lake Champlain as Assistant Navigator. Among his proudest memories was participating in the recovery operations for the historic Gemini V space mission.

Following his military service, Patrick built a distinguished career at Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO), where he held positions in manufacturing, sales, marketing, and management. He was especially proud of developing a fundraising program for Junior Achievement that generated millions of dollars annually. In 1990, he founded Chestnut Trading Company, growing it into a successful business known for integrity, hard work, and lasting customer relationships.

Patrick’s greatest accomplishments, however, were found in the lives he touched. For 36 years, he lived a life of recovery and service, helping countless people overcome addiction and find hope. His family was deeply moved by the many messages received after his passing from people whose lives had been transformed by his kindness, encouragement, and unwavering belief that people could change.

He also served his community as the Democratic Judge of Elections for his ward through multiple presidential administrations, greeting neighbors with warmth while helping strengthen the bonds of his community.

Patrick loved music and sang with the Philomusica Chorale and the choirs of Our Mother of Consolation Church and Saint Matthew Parish. He enjoyed walking, landscaping, poker, baseball, train rides to Phillies games, and conversations with fellow veterans during visits to the VA Medical Center. He had a remarkable gift for reconnecting with old Navy friends and believed no friendship was ever too old to revive.

One of his favorite sayings was, “I have budgeted to live until I am 105,” a reflection of the optimism, curiosity, and gratitude with which he approached life. Patrick was the beloved husband of Sydney Maxwell Crimmins for 57 years. He is survived by his wife; his children, Laura and Peter; his beloved grandson, Llewyn; his brothers, Michael and Timothy; his sister, Constance; and many nieces, nephews, friends, fellow veterans, choir members, and members of the recovery community. He was preceded in death by his brothers Sean, Martin, Thomas, Kevin, and Terry.

His family will remember his generosity, sense of humor, gift for conversation and unwavering faith in the goodness of others.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Fairmount Park Conservancy, a 501(c) non-profit that supports efforts to improve Philadelphia’s parks, one of Patrick’s sanctuaries for finding inner peace and staying fit.

A service will be held at Our Mother of Consolation Church on August 10th at 11:00am. It is located at 9 East Chestnut Hill Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19118.