Patrick Lawrence Gostley

The world lost a big personality on January 16 with the unexpected passing of Patrick Lawrence Gostley.  Pat lived in Florida for many years and recently returned to Wellsville with his work, allowing him to be closer to family because caring for his mom was his priority.    He was the loving son of Shirley and the late John, and brother to Holly, Laurie, Greg, Pam and Teri, who passed away in 1995.  Pat was just 54 years old but when he left us, but his heart was peaceful and happy. 

Pat was known to all as the one who was always ready….with a funny story, a new business idea, or to get together with friends.   A true entrepreneur, Pat’s creative spirit, optimistic outlook, and Irish gift of gab were his trademark qualities.  You always knew when Pat was in the room!

A 1980 graduate of Wellsville High School, Pat excelled in sports and especially enjoyed playing football.  He was active in many school activities including student council and band, and truly embraced his high school experience. He went on to play football at Canisius College and then moved to Florida to begin his career in finance and business development. 

Pat was a securities broker from 1984 to 1987.    He then joined University Consultants where he specialized in business plan research and development stage companies.   Four years later, Pat began his entrepreneurial career when he starting Rx Automation, which was acquired in 1996 and is now a NASDAQ listed company.   Following the sale of his first startup, Pat spent the next several years as an independent finance and acquisition consultant, and was featured in Fortune Magazine as a rising entrepreneur.  In 2003, he co-founded Markus Financial Group then in 2008, Pat founded Business Blueprints LLC. His most recent passion was Imprompt2 – and his enthusiasm, determination and focus on the company and the app that was about to be launched was inspiring.  

Pat leaves behind his mother, Shirley Colligan Gostley of Wellsville and his siblings:  Holly (Bruce) Massengale of Kansas City; Laurie Hackett of Bethlehem, PA; Greg of Wellsville and Pam Reed of Wellsville.  In addition, he is survived by his Uncle Don and Aunt Brenda Colligan and Uncle Jim and Aunt Carole Gostley; cousin and dear friends Tim and Suzy Colligan, and many other Colligan, Kensek and Gostley cousins.  Pat will also be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews John and Brian Massengale, Cara and Grady Hackett, Kaitlin and Jon Kyle Gostley, Christina Reed Ostrander, Laura Reed Aylor, and Danny Reed,  Beth and Tim Haaf, as well as Quinn, Ava, Sloan, Zia, Hannah and Baby M.  

If you were a friend to Pat, you were a friend for life, and “Ghost” was blessed with a loyal posse: Tim Hennessy, Kevin Caschera, Pat Hart, Al Davidson, Brad Seligman, Dean Piscitelli, Mitch McQueen, and Mark Degraff. 

Pat’s life should be celebrated because he loved his family, lived life to the fullest, and had no regrets. 

Friends may call at Embser Funeral Home in Wellsville on Friday, January 22 from 5pm to 8pm.   A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Church on Saturday, January 23 at 1:30 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wellsville High School (126 W. State Street, Wellsville NY 14895 attn: Lenore Braunscheidel) where a scholarship has been established in Patrick’s name.

To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.