Elmwood Park HS Student-Athlete Patrick Gorczowski, 23, Passes Away, Leaving His Parents Behind

Rest in Peace, Patrick. Your beautiful soul touched so many.

May 23, 2026

This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on May 23, 2026

The Elmwood Park community is heartbroken over the passing of Patrick Daniel Gorczowski, a cherished former student-athlete, on May 20, 2026.

At just 23 years old, Patrick made a big impact on those around him with his energy, great sense of humor, and dedication to his passions.

While the cause of his death has not been disclosed, his legacy as a leader, scholar, and outdoor enthusiast continues to resonate with family, friends, and the community.

Young Patrick Daniel Gorczowski with his childhood pet. (Source: )

Gorczowski was born in March 2002 in Hackensack, New Jersey, to loving parents Aleksander and Jadwiga Gorczowski.

Patrick grew up in a close-knit family alongside his younger sister, Isabella, who is currently studying Arts and Sciences at Cornell University, class of 2027.

Patrick was raised in Elmwood Park and attended Elmwood Park High School, where he competed as the captain of the Crusaders track team.

His leadership and athletic ability made him a standout, inspiring teammates with his dedication and competitive spirit.

After graduating from high school, Patrick pursued his academic ambitions at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), where he studied computer science, focusing on user experience design.

He loved technology and fitness, so he created new apps that used artificial intelligence to improve workout tracking.

Friends and professors remember him as a creative problem-solver who brought energy and insight to every project.

Patrick was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed spending time outside in addition to his studies and sports.

He found joy in running through scenic trails, camping under the stars, and embracing the beauty of the natural world.

His love for adventure was matched only by his sense of humor, which could light up any room.

Friends recall how Patrick’s laughter and quick wit brought people together, creating enduring memories.

Patrick and his childhood friends. (Source: )

Laura Skalny, a childhood friend, shared a heartfelt tribute alongside a photo of their younger days:

Her words capture the warmth Patrick brought to those around him.

For Patrick, His Family Was The Heart Of His Existence

He is survived by his devoted parents, Aleksander and Jadwiga, his sister Isabella, his grandmother Anna, and his grandparents Jan and Jozefa.

He also leaves behind his uncle Eugeniusz and his wife Elzbieta Gorczowski, his aunt Ewa and her husband Zenon Michalik, and his godfather Dariusz and his wife Ewa Gorczowski.

Patrick was preceded in death by his grandfather, Francziszek, and grandmother, Maria Szpernoga, whose love continues to weave through the family’s history.

A childhood photo of young Patrick and his sister Isabella. (Source: )

His beloved sister Isabella shared a touching tribute with photos of her brother, writing, “My Older Brother, Protector, and Angel 🤍.”

Her words show the strong connection they had and how Patrick guided her in life.

Gosia and Justin Skorupa also expressed their condolences, saying,

The Elmwood Park community honors Patrick’s memory, sharing love and stories of his leadership, creativity, and laughter. His impact will be remembered.

Patrick Gorczowski (Source: )

, 470 Colfax Ave, Clifton, NJ, on May 23, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and again from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

A Mass to celebrate his life will occur on May 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph RC Church, 7 Parker Avenue, Passaic, NJ. Following the Mass, Patrick will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Saddle Brook, NJ, at 12:15 PM.

Though Patrick’s time on this earth was far too short, his legacy endures through the love, laughter, and inspiration he shared with those around him.

As family, friends, and community gather to say goodbye, they hold tight to the memories of a young man who lived fully, loved deeply, and left the world brighter than he found it.

Rest in Peace, Patrick. Your beautiful soul touched so many.

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