Dr. Patrick Eugene Linehan passed away in the loving arms of his wife on May 20, 2024, at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife, Josephine Linehan; two children, Eric Linehan (Allison Guy) and Crystal Mayers (Ira Mayers); brother, John Michael Linehan; sister, Diane Linehan; and two grandchildren, James and Ian Mayers. Pat is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Elizabeth Linehan, and his brothers, Thomas and Daniel Linehan.

Pat was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the oldest of 5 children. He grew up in Miami and attended Coral Gables Senior High School. He earned both a Ph.D. and an M.A. degree from the School of International Service, College of Public Affairs, The American University, and a B.A. degree from the Department of International Affairs, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida. Florida State University is where Pat met the love of his life, Joy. They remained happily married for over 57 years. Pat would introduce Joy as "the best decision he ever made" and that love continued until his last breath.

Pat was a man of faith, a supporter of the military, and a true American patriot. He loved his country and serving it was one of his greatest accomplishments. He served 4 years in the U.S. Army (March 1966-January 1970) with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam, from June 1967-July 1968, 111th Military Intelligence Group, Special Agent (Field); and 82nd Airborne Division (MP), where he earned an Honorable Discharge, Combat Infantry Badge, and Parachutist Badge.

Pat retired from a distinguished career with the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2021. His career with the DIA began in 1976 and took him across the globe with assignments in Africa, Bosnia, Kosovo, the Middle East, and South Korea. His career reflected a breadth of experience, including combatant command experience and field operational experience. He was the recipient of numerous awards for distinguished and outstanding service, to include: DIA Unit Achievement Award, DIA Civilian Combat Support Medal, NATO Medal for Service in Kosovo, NATO Medal for Service in Bosnia, DIA Director's Annual Agency Unit Award (Iraqi Task Force), Unit Citation for Superior Performance from the Intelligence Community, and Defense Intelligence Director's Award.

Pat's smile would light up the room, he would always welcome you with a kind word and a wave. In his final days, Pat was surrounded by his family, caregivers, and friends. He will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, and all-around wonderful person.

A celebration of life will be hosted at Arcola Methodist Church, 24757 Arcola Mills Drive, Dulles, VA 20166, on May 30th at 6 pm. All friends and family are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Fund or The Fisher House Foundation.