A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Nov. 19 in St. Colette Church, 330 W. 130th St., Brunswick, for Kevin “Patrick” Gareau. His wake will be 3-7 p.m. Nov. 18 at A. Ripepi and Sons Funeral Home, 18149 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights.
Gareau, who retired in January as president and CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, died on Nov. 11. He was 68.
“I am deeply saddened over the passing of Patrick Gareau, a dear friend who served with grace and joy as the president and CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, for many years. His love and dedication for people in our community were reflected daily as he brought the compassion of Christ to others, especially those in need,” said Bishop Edward Malesic. “I offer my deepest condolences to Pat’s wife, Maureen, and his entire family. May the God of all goodness grant him eternal rest and peace.”
Jim Mullen, who succeeded Gareau at Catholic Charities, said, “Catholic Charities is a better place for the care and leadership Pat gave to us all for over 30 years. He will be deeply missed by many of us.”
Gareau, the youngest of 14 children, was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1957 to the late Paul and Catherine (nee Campbell) Gareau. He graduated from North Olmsted High School and attended John Carroll University where he met his wife of 44 years, Maureen. They had three children and three grandchildren.
He served in the Army for seven years, achieving the rank of captain. His assignments included hospital and clinic administration and medical logistics management. Later, Gareau earned a master’s degree from Central Michigan University before pursuing a career in nursing home administration.
Gareau served as president and CEO of St. Augustine Health Ministries in Cleveland from 1994 to 2011. In that role, he was responsible for management of multiple subsidiaries, working with boards, health care providers and a network of long-term care organizations. He oversaw seven significant expansions throughout St. Augustine Health Ministries: Health Campus (1996), Child Enrichment Center (1999), Holy Family Home (2005), Holy Family Hospice (2006), Emerald Village Senior Living (2007), Holy Family Home Care (2010) and Congregat and Home Delivery Meal Program (2011).
He became president and CEO of Catholic Charities in 2011. The agency delivers a broad spectrum of 150 services at 60 locations for people of all races and religions throughout the eight counties in the diocese. Catholic Charities impacts people’s lives daily with multigenerational services for families and children, emergency assistance to support food security and stable housing, behavioral health service for people seeking support, and health and wellness through CYO athletics and camps.
Bishop Malesic credited Gareau with expanding Catholic Charities’ reach, which has grown to serve 400,000 people each year. “I am profoundly grateful to Patrick for the giving spirit he has so clearly demonstrated throughout the course of his career,” the bishop said when Gareau retired.
Those who knew him said Gareau would be remembered for his unwavering love of family, his dedication to his work and his kindness and generosity. They said he had an ability to make everyone feel seen and valued.
Survivors include his wife Maureen; children Lauren Masterson (Kevin), Corey (Sasha) and Kevin (Melissa); grandchildren Connor, Aiden and Nolan Masterson; siblings Donna Gallagher (Tom, deceased), Michael (Gayle), Diane Cammarato, William (Sherry, deceased), Danielle Cifancic (Lou, deceased), Edward (Mary Beth), Tim (Patti), Dennis (Debbie), Jeannine Narowitz (Mick) and Mark (Olwen), sister-in-law Patricia Newman (Mark, deceased) and brother-in-law Thomas Forestek, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Predeceasing him were siblings Kathleen Wright (Benjamin), Patricia Hobson (Art, deceased) and Paul Jr. (Carol, deceased).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, 7911 Detroit Ave., Cleveland.