Patrick Lawrence Newman, 19, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away on February 10, 2025, surrounded by his family after a heroic battle against relapsed osteosarcoma.

Patrick was born on October 13, 2005 in San Jose, California to Michael and Elizabeth (Panzica) Newman. He attended Canyon Heights Academy (Campbell, California) until 2013 and graduated from The Franciscan School (Raleigh) in 2020 and Cardinal Gibbons High School (Raleigh) in 2024.

Patrick was a stellar student, accomplished musician, and a competitive athlete. He particularly loved chemistry and calculus and planned to study biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame before seeking MD/PhD degrees to become a cancer researcher. Unfortunately, Patrick was unable to start college due to his cancer relapse and spent all of 2024 battling the disease that he sought to eradicate through research.

In grade school, Patrick was a champion Irish dancer as well as a hockey and lacrosse player. Because of the physical impacts of his initial cancer treatment, he pivoted his talents and passion to Irish fiddle, orchestra, and rowing in high school. Patrick studied Irish fiddle in Ireland with renowned teacher Matt Cranitch and played traditional Irish folk music entirely by ear. He was also a classical violinist and played in the Gibbons Orchestra and Music Ministry program, rising in the early morning to play at Mass before school.

As a proud member of the Triangle Rowing Club, Patrick won the Coaches Award in 2023 and 2024. He rowed in the stroke seat in the inclusive doubles event at the 2023 USRowing youth nationals, capturing the bronze medal. Also, at the 2023 Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, Patrick along with his rowing partner placed 5th in the inclusive doubles, finishing behind only former Paralympians and world championships rowers.

Throughout his osteosarcoma battle, involving many arduous surgeries, radiation treatments, and targeted drug therapies, Patrick never abandoned his positive outlook or preparing for an ambitious future. His determination, courage, fortitude, and unwavering Catholic faith inspired everyone around him, engendering ongoing fervent prayers from many friends, family, and other well-wishers across the country and internationally. Patrick will be sorely missed.

Patrick was predeceased by his grandparents, Anthony and Irene (Gember) Panzica and Lawrence and M. Patricia (Hayward) Newman. He is survived by his mother, father, and loving siblings, Irene and David. Additionally, as a strong advocate for and lover of animals Patrick leaves behind a well-loved menagerie of cats and dogs who will miss his warm embrace.

A Vigil Service and visitation will be held at Renaissance Funeral Home in Raleigh on Thursday February 27, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be at the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in Raleigh on Friday February 28 at 3:00 pm with a reception immediately following at the StateView Hotel in Raleigh. Patrick’s Rite of Committal will be at a later date at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Notre Dame, Indiana.

Patrick’s life goal was to find a cure for osteosarcoma. His final request was for his life savings to be donated to support “research for the other kids with osteo.” In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Patrick’s osteosarcoma research fund (https://www.mibagents.org/family-funds/patrick) with Making It Better Agents.