Obituaries

Patrick Sage passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 10, 1948 — “twelve ten forty-eight,” as he always said it.

Pat grew up in Covington, Kentucky, raised by his mother, Helen, alongside his brothers Thomas and Michael. Early responsibility shaped him, and it stayed with him for life.

After attending Catholic schools and briefly studying physics at Villa Madonna College, Pat faced a practical challenge: commuting while working without reliable transportation was no longer sustainable. He made a clear choice to volunteer for the United States Navy. He married Bonnie in December 1968 and soon began a period of service that defined him.

In the Navy, Pat worked in aviation electronics at Patuxent River and aboard the USS Saratoga. His service required calm judgment in high-stakes situations. During a Pacific deployment, a nuclear weapons drill was mistakenly announced as real. Believing it to be genuine, Pat held his post until the error was corrected — an experience that stayed with him.

He balanced seriousness with humanity. During that same deployment, Pat grew a beard so he could play Santa Claus at a shipboard Christmas celebration, bringing warmth to a difficult place.

Pat also carried curiosity and appreciation for the wider world. As a young sailor, he especially enjoyed time in Naples, Italy, experiencing Italy for the first time. The family later discovered the original chit granting him permission for a tour of Rome — a small artifact marking a moment of earned freedom. Decades later, Pat and Bonnie returned to Italy together on a long-anticipated trip to Milan, quietly completing a circle begun during his service.

After the Navy, Pat earned a degree in history from Northern Kentucky University. While at NKU, he received grants and scholarships to study Germany’s rail systems. He later built a long career in technology. From Burroughs mainframes to mobile systems, and from 2002 through 2024 supporting TSA IT operations throughout Kentucky, he was trusted for his clarity, integrity, and steady presence — even as contracts and companies changed.

Pat and Bonnie raised their family in northern Kentucky. Pat served as Cubmaster and Scoutmaster, took leadership seriously, and always made time for his sons. He was a fixture at Dixie Heights football games and remained a loyal fan long after his son graduated.

As a grandfather, Pat was always present — standing on the sideline, cheering, and engaged. He believed that “half of life is just showing up,” and he lived that belief every day.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Bonnie; his sons Patrick Sean and Zachary Michael; daughters-in-law Stephanie and Meghan; grandchildren Patrick Ryan, Natalie, Daniel, Zachary Michael, and Elaina; and his brother Michael.

In lieu of flowers, consider honoring Pat with donations to the Fisher House Foundation. The Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay free of charge while a loved one is in the hospital. These homes are located at military and VA medical centers around the world.