Fogarty served Allegany County for 40 years, was honored in March 2023
By Andrew Harris, photo from Catholic Charities
Allegany County is mourning the loss of “Pat” Fogarty after reports that she passed away on August 20 in Buffalo NY. For many years, Fogarty WAS the public defenders office in Allegany County and played a key role in shaping the office as it stands today.
We asked her co-worker and friend JR Santana for his reaction to the news:
“Patricia “Pat” Fogarty committed her life to servicing others and the practice of the law. She is a titan in this community and she will be remembered for years to come. I am a better Public Defender, and person, because of Pat.”
Earlier this year, Santana joined the entire Allegany County government in honoring Fogarty, “for her contributions to betterment of Allegany County.” Read our reporting from that March 11th ceremony in the legislative chambers below.
The Allegany County Board of Legislators reacted to the news of Fogarty’s passing:
“The Board of Legislators is saddened to hear of the passing of Pat Fogarty. Pat devoted her life and career to helping those in need. Beyond her work in the Allegany County Public Defender’s Office, her work with Catholic Charities, the Allegany County United Way, and Southern Tier Legal Services demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to community service. She will be greatly missed both personally and professionally.”
