Long-time Parishioner Pat Troy Dies at 76

Posted on March 22, 2018

Pat Troy, Living Legend of Alexandria and our long-time parishioner, friend, and brother died this morning, March 22 at the age of 76. The wake will be Friday, April 6 from 6-8pm at Demaine’s Funeral Home and the Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, April 7 at 11am at the basilica.

Troy and his wife, Bernadette, founded the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town back in 1982. The annual parade draws thousands of locals every year, and at this year’s parade the couple served as the grand marshals.

Pat pours a drink at Ireland’s Own (photo courtesy of the Washington Times).

Troy was born July 12, 1941, in Oxford, England, to Michael and Kathleen Troy. His parents moved to England from their village of Kilcormac, in County Offaly, Ireland, soon after their marriage. He worked as a butler at Birr Castle for five years when an American tourist offered to sponsor him to live and work in America. He immigrated to the United States in 1961 at the age of 21 with only $50 to his name.

For decades, Troy owned the famous restaurant Ireland’s Own, which served as a gathering place for lovers of Irish culture, food and music. Pat and Bernadette used their own money to open the now closed restaurant, along with the Open Irish Walk in Old Town. Patrons used to travel from throughout the metropolitan area just to watch a costumed Troy lead them in “The Unicorn Song.” On St. Patrick’s Day in 1988, President Ronald Reagan visited the packed pub and gave a speech to the crowd gathered.

Pat and Bernadette Pope Francis at the Vatican on September 11, 2013.

In 2010, the Living Legends of Alexandria honored Troy with their prestigious award, which identifies and honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the quality of life in Alexandria. Troy served two terms as a governor on the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association, as well as on the board of governors with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. In 2011, he published his autobiography, I Have a Story to Tell, which described his life as a butler, businessman, Irish-American and a Catholic.

He is survived by Bernadette and his children, Patrick and Kathleen, and other family members.

Information courtesy of the Arlington Catholic Herald, Old Town Patch, and Pat Troy’s Alexandria Living Legends Profile.