Obituary of Patrick Y. Speeckaert

Patrick Yvan Speeckaert (78), born in Belgium to Albert and Françoise (Henri de Frahan) Speeckaert, passed away on January 21st surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Helene Speeckaert (née Heistercamp), and his four children: Julie Swenson, husband Eric, and their children Caroline (fiancé Nathan Jenkins), Claire, and Emma; Edward Speeckaert, wife Amy, and their children Lukas, Samuel, and Ava; Aline Graves, husband Brian, and their children Lena, Caitlin, and Isabelle; Jennifer Bortree, husband Bradley, and their children Rose, Lily, and Oliver. Brother to Philippe Speeckaert (Isabelle), Marc Speeckaert (Dominique), Catherine de Foy (the late Pierre), and Nathalie Speeckaert (the late Pol Depasse).

As a child, he lived in Argentina for several years. As a young man, he served as a lieutenant in the Belgian Air Force. He moved from Belgium to the United States in 1984 with 3 young children. He was a man with a true love of life, and encyclopedia of knowledge that he shared with all. He loved music, books, sailing, and the outdoors and could fix anything. Family was of the utmost importance to him, and  he extended warmth and love to all.

Services will be held at St Mary’s Church (Parish of Immaculate Conception), 50 Ball St, Port Jervis, NY, on February 14th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be given to American Parkinson Disease Association