Patrick J. Lane

Patrick was born October 11, 1945 in Washington Heights, New York and passed away unexpectedly on January 2, 2025 at his winter home in Wilmington, North Carolina. Several of his dearest friends were with him and his beloved labs, Ben and Obie came to say farewell.

Patrick is predeceased by his parents Mary (Cavanaugh) and Patrick Lane and by his wife Sandra Zimmer, to whom he was lovingly married to for 42 years.  He is survived by many friends, as well as Sandy’s numerous nieces and nephews, for whom he enjoyed being known as “Uncle Pat”.

“Ricky” grew up in the Washington Heights area of Manhattan with a group of the best friends any man could ask for. He continued those relationships, and made many more friends after he moved to Rochester. He is well remembered for having maintained such friendships for the past 50, 60 and 70 years.

Pat was a life-long learner. He attended seminary at St Joseph’s and received a BA in Philosophy in 1967. He went on to receive a Doctorate of Law (J.D.) from Fordham University School of Law in 1973 and a Master of Law (LLM) in Taxation from New York University School of Law in 1976. Later in life, just because he wanted to, he continued his studies and received a Master’s Degree from St. Bernard’s in Theology in 2008.

In the 1960s Pat worked as a social worker in NYC and its boroughs. After finishing his study of the law, he started work in Rochester, NY in the mid-seventies. With that move to Rochester fate crossed his path with Sandy. Pat and Sandy married in 1980 at Corpus Christi in Rochester and later became staunch supporters of Spiritus Christi. These devoted partners fashioned a life of giving, caring, learning – being experts in battling cancer, enjoying their friends, cooking, sailing, traveling and taking care of their beloved Labrador Retriever dogs. Any dinner at their home was always filled with great food and wine, wonderful stories, humor and love.

Pat was a partner in several local law firms over the years, and concentrated his practice in federal and state taxation as well as estate planning. His counsel, often given for free, was highly valued by both his partners and other tax and non-tax attorneys throughout the Rochester area. Pat’s last affiliation was with McConville Considine Cooman & Morin, P.C., where he served as Counsel.

Pat was instrumental in helping to organize Spiritus Christi as a new church, donating his legal skills to form the church corporation, guiding outreach ministries in becoming nonprofits and re-acquiring the Jennifer House. He served as chairperson of the personnel committee and was a critical source of legal information. A man of deep faith, Pat cared deeply about the Spiritus church and its staff and used his considerable skills, knowledge and compassion to serve others.

He was a voracious learner, especially enjoying ancient history and languages. He took the greatest pleasure in sharing things he learned. He would often offer little asides about history or about legal cases that were fascinating and informative. Patrick was always the smartest man in the room.

He was the kindest, most patient, loving and generous man. Quick to smile, chuckle and even cry if the time was right. He was a friend to anyone who ever met him and we were better for it. He will be greatly missed by those who are left behind.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Spiritus Christi at 10:00 A.M. on March 22, 2025. The church is located at 121 Fitzhugh Street N., Rochester, NY 14614. A luncheon will be held at the Genesee Valley Club starting at 12 NOON [421 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607 – Click for Map].

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either Spiritus Christi [Donate Online] or the Sandra F. Zimmer Fund at the Rochester Area Community Foundation [Donate Online].