Patricia Ann Buck

Pat Buck was a true Friend of Pittsburgh. From the residents in her beloved Fineview neighborhood to past mayors and politicians and to professional athletes, actors and activists, she was an advocate and a friend to everyone who wanted to make changes for the Better.

Patricia Ann Buck (Foley) passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 28, 2025 in Franklin Park after a short illness. Patricia was 86 years old … and, as she would say, “living her 87thyear” of life.  She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Francis M. Foley.  Patricia and Francis lived and worked in Pittsburgh’s Fineview neighborhood for over forty years.

Patricia was born in the South Side of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in April of 1939, daughter of John C. and Pauline (Staniszewski) Buck.  Patricia lived all the seasons of her life in the Pittsburgh area. 

A civic-minded professional woman, Pat started her career as a teacher after graduating from Duquesne University.  Realizing a new passion, Pat interned as a social worker at the Veteran’s Administration, then accepted a position as a social worker at Craig House Technoma.  She also worked at the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging and the Milestone Student Assistance Program.  Pat extended her education in 1976 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh.  Shortly thereafter, Patricia was named the Executive Director of the Myasthenia Gravis Association at Mercy Hospital in Western PA where she served for fourteen years.  She served as a social worker and counselor at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit for many years where she worked with numerous school districts providing both youth and family counseling.  In retirement, Pat remained a committed advocate and public servant for those in need who sought assistance for mental health issues, housing services, work training, or counseling for drug addiction and suicide prevention.  

Patricia was a founding member and policy board member of the Northside Leadership Conference, Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group. She was also the President of the Fineview Citizens Council, where she led the efforts to change city zoning laws to remove long-existing barriers involving mortgage finance issues within certain areas of the city. As a result, Fineview became a model for new housing development and for rehabilitation of existing houses in Pittsburgh’s older neighborhoods.  Mayor Luke Ravenstahl proclaimed August 23, 2012 Patricia Ann Buck Day in recognition of her 35 years as a dedicated social worker and active community leader.  The Northside Leadership Conference conveyed a Lifetime Achievement Award to Patricia in 2013 for her dedicated service to the Northside neighborhoods.  

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents.  In addition to her husband, she is survived byher sister Joan Zukiewicz of South Park, PA,and hertwo brothers Jack Buck of New Kensington, PA and Jim Buck of Booneville, MO. Pat was the proud Aunt to eight nieces and nephews and their children.  Patricia also will be missed by other relatives, friends, neighbors, and all who were touched by her kindness and generous heart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Peter Church – Christ Our Savior Parish in the North Side (720 Arch St., Pittsburgh).  The family will receive friends during a visitation hour at St Peter’s Church vestibule from 10 a.m. until the time of mass at 11 a.m.  A gathering will be held in the chapel at Calvary Cemetery in Pittsburgh after the funeral.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Patricia Buck’s name to the Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western PA  https://mgawpa.org/, or a charity of your choice, in Patricia’s memory.