Patrick Robert Anderson

Patrick Robert Anderson Bedford, NH

After a courageous struggle with the saddest epidemic facing us today, Patrick Robert Anderson passed away on Thursday, November 3rd, 2022, as a result of an apparent fentanyl-laced cocaine overdose. He celebrated his 34^th birthday October 20^th.

Patrick was a vibrant, kindhearted, polite, intelligent, caring person who loved his family and friends. He easily laughed and enjoyed the moments he lived. He knew he was loved. While these remain his celebrated traits, they were greatly diminished by depression, OCD and the horrible disease of dependence. The last years of his life marked a painstaking, heartbreaking and harrowing journey through countless treatment systems, sober homes, and rehab facilities. Patrick just wanted to be “normal.” He died despite his efforts and the enormous resources provided by those he loved and who loved him. The countless hours, days, months and years he, his family, and friends dedicated, in hopes of recovery, couldn’t save him. This is the disease. This was his reality.

In Patrick’s life, while he held a series of jobs in the financial, software, and service industries, his dependence prevented him from developing the real vocation and career path he so desperately searched for. Though he loved and connected with children easily, wanted to be a father from an early age and was adored by his niece and nephews, he never married nor had children of his own. He never had the chance to develop his many God-given talents and interests.  Instead of experiencing these joyful milestones into adulthood, Patrick faced unimaginable challenges and trials each day in search of recovery. He had nothing but potential and talent, but now he is gone.

Patrick was very proud of his Irish heritage and was the beloved son of Patricia (Flaherty) Anderson and Thomas R. Anderson of Bedford, NH. He is survived by his sister Tara (Anderson) Hansen, her husband Thomas B. Hansen, his brother Thomas P. Anderson, his wife Meghan (Lyons) Anderson; as well as his niece Brigit Hansen, nephews Charles Anderson, Robert Anderson, Thomas R. Hansen, and Thomas P. Anderson, Jr. He also leaves several aunts, uncles, and cousins that through the years offered hope, inspiration, and support to help Patrick through good times and bad. Patrick was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Nancy Anderson and Dr. Robert Anderson and by his maternal grandparents, Joan Flaherty and Robert Flaherty. He had immense support from a great team and he loved them all for it. We are devastated by his loss.

Patrick was so much more than his struggle with disease.  Even as a toddler he could operate the VHS tape player to the television and spent most times running around wearing a cape pretending to be superman which would explain his future fascination with DC and Marvel comics. He had an affinity for games and magic, declaring himself as an “inside kid.” He was an accomplished piano player and enjoyed various genres of music. Patrick also loved sports. He was a three-sport varsity athlete at West High School, but his passion was clearly football. Patrick co-captained the West High Football team during the 2006-2007 season. At an early age, Patrick developed a high football IQ and was able to manage his teams on both sides of the ball. This impressed several college recruits and as a result, Patrick received several scholarships to join football programs in New England.

Patrick graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, class of 2011. Possessing extraordinary drive and determination, he successfully earned a position on the Division One Holy Cross Football team as a walk-on. Despite not being recruited there, Patrick earned the respect and appreciation from coaches and teammates as an outstanding young man and athlete.

Through it all, Patrick maintained his sense of kindness and deep religious faith. He fought but never gave up. We never gave up on him. He didn’t want to be dependent on anything, but he couldn’t escape how his brain was wired at birth. We are consoled by the countless happy memories spent with a beautiful human being and are fortunate to have had the privilege to be part of his short life. Rest in peace Patrick, we will see you again. We love you.

Calling hours at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St, corner of North St, Manchester, will be Friday, November 11th from 3 to 7 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 12th at noon in St. Elizabeth Seton Church, Meetinghouse Road, Bedford. Burial will be private at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Catholic Charities USA. Please specify “The Ministry of Integrated Health” in the memo field: Donate to Help Us End Poverty - Catholic Charities USA (convio.net)

To send an online message of condolence, please go to www.lambertfunerahome.com.