Patrick T. Giffer

Patrick T. Giffer, age 83, passed away Monday, May 10, 2021, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, after a courageous battle with cancer. Patrick was born on April 26, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late John Thomas and the late Mary Ann (nee Tyrrell) Giffer. Patrick attended Annunciation High School where his peers on the Yearbook Committee gave him the quote, "Once known, never forgotten." Which anyone who met him knows he fully lived up to this quote. Following graduation from high school, he began working at Detroit Edison where, when he was 19, he met the love of his life, Colleen Jackson. She also worked at Edison and was coming down the escalator when Patrick first caught a glimpse of her - and the rest is history. The couple was married on August 1, 1959, at St. Joan of Arc. They went on to have three loving children, Mary Ann, Patrick Jr., and Colleen. Patrick left Detroit Edison and moved on to become the District Manager for Automotive and Rubber at McLean Trucking Company. He retired at the age of 40 due to longstanding health issues. It was at this point where he devoted his life, full-time, to helping others. Coll...[more]

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and Patrick would adopt families for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Colleen would head to the store to fill her cart full of gifts and food for the family and they would wrap them all when she got home. Even years after they did this, Patrick would continue to check in on these adopted families. Each and every one of them would remember him. The doors at the Giffer home were always open to anyone in need. The family hosted relatives and friends who needed a place to stay with no questions asked or wanting anything in return. As an Irishman, Patrick knew how to have a good time. He never missed a party and loved even more to host them at their home. They hosted graduation parties and anniversary celebrations for others and enjoyed having their loved ones over for big Thanksgiving dinners...their favorite holiday. People were drawn to him. Patrick would make everyone feel as if they were the most important person in the room and like they were one of his own. He was deeply committed to his family, faith, and all who he came to know. He never once met a stranger; as soon as he would strike up a conversation, you became an instant friend and someone he never forgot. He was selfless and always took care of everyone before himself. It has been said by those that knew him, "he was the only man you would ever meet that would give you more money than he had in his pocket." In 1991, Colleen passed away suddenly. Although he was deeply devastated by the loss, Patrick continued to honor their tradition and passion of helping others. He was a Eucharistic Minister and had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother, Blessed Solanus, and the Monastery. Because of his devotion, he was honored with an affiliation with the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph. Patrick also frequently volunteered at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. Patrick prayed the Rosary twice a day and, prior to his illness, attended daily Mass. He would serve meals at the Monastery, was a regular visitor, and from the moment he met the Brothers, they became forever friends. Patrick became a member of the Chas. Verheyden Family in 1993 when he moved into the apartment in the Grosse Pointe Funeral Home. Soon after, he began working with the Verheyden team in various capacities. He loved to head down to the main floor and greet guests or give the staff a good laugh. Patrick took pride in taking meticulous care of the building and loved working with the staff, encouraging them to complete tasks to the highest standards. You would often see him in his "Verheyden Best" ready to run funerals and help where necessary. Patrick was one of the greatest assets to the home for the past 27 years. Patrick was the beloved Husband of the late Colleen. Loving Father of Mary Ann (Jim Gardiner), Patrick (Elisabeth), and Colleen (David Thill). Cherished Papa of Kathleen (Joseph Anderson), Colleen (Bryan Sanborn), Sarah, Kyle, Kathryn and Emily. Proud Great Papa of Joey and Patrick. He is also survived by his loving sisters, Joyce Doyle and Sally Ballelli, as well as dear sisters-in-law, Angela Weaver and Terri Jackson. Patrick is also survived by many adoring nieces and nephews. He was truly one-of-a-kind and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Visitation for Patrick will take place on Friday, May 14 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a 2 p.m. Welcome Prayer and 7 p.m. Scripture Service at St. Bonaventure Monastery, 1740 Mt. Elliott, Detroit, MI 48207. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Br. Ray Stadmeyer, OFM, CAP on Saturday, May 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Bonaventure Monastery. Masks are required and social distancing will be enforced. A livestream of the service can be viewed at www.solanuscenter.org. Following Mass, he will be laid to rest beside his late wife at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township. In keeping with Patrick's lifelong devotion to Blessed Solanus and the Province of St. Joseph, the Giffer Family would appreciate Memorial Contributions be made in his name to St. Bonaventure Monastery, 1740 Mt. Elliott, Detroit, MI 48207. Share a memory at verheyden.org.