Patrick Joseph Shelley – May 7, 1927 – May 18, 2026

Reverand Major (Ret.) Patrick Joseph Shelley, 99 passed away May 18, 2026, at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Irvine California. He was an active member at St Nicholas Catholic Church ever-present at 9am mass until illness took over. Patrick was the eldest of 10 children born in south central Tipperary County, Ireland. He grew up on a farm were working hard was ingrained in his blood. His mother would ask the older children to gather hazel wood for the home fires. This required the children to walk to the furthest edge of the acres of property to keep them occupied and out of trouble.

Reverand Patrick Shelley, USAF Major served as military Chaplin 12 years in Vietnam. Among his pastoral duties Father Shelley also served 1500 patients at Quy Hoa Leprosarium near Quy Nhon, Vietnam. His decorations include the Distinguished Service medal from John F Kennedy, Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service, National Defense Service Medal for honorable active duty in Vietnam, Armed Force Expeditionary Medal for facing imminent danger, the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Airforce Outstanding Unit Award with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Airforce Longevity award with Oak Leaf Cluster. Upon returning home his battle fatigue (depression) was so severe he was forced to become laicized. He ultimately was hired by the US Department of Veteran Affairs as an advocate for service persons returning to civilian status. Such work took him to temporary assigned duties in Great Britain, Scotland, Virgina/DC, Los Angeles and San Diego from where he retired.

While in England Patrick met his first wife Janet Budge. In 1978 Patrick and Janet adopted two children from Costa Rica, Joseph and Maria. In 1979 the new family of 4 moved to San Diego, California. As the children grew up, Patrick attended many of their music and dance recitals along with soccer games all over the United States.

After retirement Patrick moved to “Leisure World” where he met and married Donna Drauden in 2007. Patrick enjoyed dancing with Donna. During Donna’s illness when Patrick could no longer drive, he would walk a mile and a half every day to visit her. Donna passed away July 29, 2024.

Patrick is survived by his sister Teresa Minihan and brothers John and Frank Shelly; children, Maria (Craig) Johnson, and Joseph (Veronica) Shelley; grandchildren Craig, Jakob, Nicholas, Jonas and Genevieve; and many nieces and nephews in Ireland.

There will be a Vigil on Jun 11, 2026, at 7:00 pm at O’Connor Mortuary (25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92652). Funeral Mass will be on June 12, 2026, at 10:30 am at St. Nicholas Catholic Church (24252 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637). Graveside Service on June 12, 2026, at 2:15 pm at Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, CA 92122)