J. Narey Obituary

J. Pat Narey

August 29, 1948 - January 27, 2026

J. Pat Narey, 77, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at UnityPoint Allen Hospital.

Joseph Patrick Narey was born the son of Matthew "Butch" and Mary (McSweeney) Narey on August 29, 1948.

Pat was the proud owner of Narey's 19th Hole, a "neighborhood working man's sports bar," as he often called it. His parents purchased the bar shortly before Pat's 11th birthday, so he grew up in the business. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1966. He then went to San Francisco and took classes at the Columbia School of Broadcasting, where he had the opportunity to work briefly with Monte Moore, the voice of the Oakland A's.

He loved all sports, but especially hockey. He would often break out in his baritone voice in the midst of a hockey game at Narey's to sing "Oh, Canada."

A lifelong bachelor, Pat had declared on more than one occasion that he wouldn't get married unless it was to an Irish Catholic girl or a hockey player. But then in 2006 he met Kari, who is a Presbyterian and has never worn skates. Pat and Kari were united in marriage on August 28, 2010. They shared a love of travel, music, stage shows in NYC, and sports. A trip to Ireland in 2014 was a special highlight, leaving them both longing to return.

Pat is survived by his wife, Kari; his sister, Mary Kay Kent in Farmington, Minn.; and his brothers, Mike (Doris Ruffridge) and Bill Narey in Waterloo. He also dearly loved his nieces, nephews, and "greats," and he loved showing off pictures of them.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Bridget in infancy; and his brother, Tim Narey.

Pat's family extends heartfelt appreciation to the paramedics and medical staff at UnityPoint Allen Hospital for their compassionate care.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 2, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with private family burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Public visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, February 1, with a 3:30 p.m. Rosary at Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service on West Ridgeway. Visitation also one hour prior to the Mass on Monday at the church.

Memorials: may be directed to Queen of Peace Catholic Church, The Waterloo Elks Club, or the Waterloo Municipal Band.

Online condolences may be left at www.hagartywaychoffgrarup.com.