Patricia Lynn Kirk-Gorbach

Patty Kirk-Gorbach, 65, passed away peacefully December 15, 2023 with her family by her side in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Born in Akron, Ohio, Patty lived in the area for most of her life. She graduated from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (Class of ’76), where she was President of the National Honor Society. She then attended and graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in Marketing and a Master’s in Business in 1983. 

In January of 1982, Patty met her future husband of 40 years, Jerry Gorbach. In 1984, she began a 30yr career at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, where she proved to be a respected business leader. At the time of her retirement in 2013, Patty was the Director of Global Compliance & Chief Ethics Officer and had traveled the world. She also served on the board of several companies and donated her time and energy to charities and organizations she valued, such as the Battered Women’s Shelter, the Food Bank and Leadership Akron. Patty was also instrumental in forming Goodyear’s Women’s Initiative in Leadership organization (WIL) and served as its first President. 

Just before retirement, Patty and Jerry built a winter home in Lakewood Ranch, Fl. They spent the winters there until 2020, when they decided to live there year round after her mother, for whom she cared for while in Akron, passed. 

Patty loved the sunny, blue Florida sky and enjoyed time at the beach. She liked to boat, kayak through the mangroves, and swim with the dolphins. Patty also liked to walk, bike ride, play pickleball, shop and go to lunch & dinner with her friends. She will be dearly missed.

Patty was preceded in death by her mother, Helen (Popa) and father, William Kirk. She is survived by her loving husband, Jerry (Gorbach); her brothers: Bill (Nancy Poling), Tom (Sue), Tim (Kelly), Mike (Beth) and sister, Susan (Scott Kleinman); children: Brian, Scott (Mark Busa), and Hilary (Michael Horsley); and grandchild, Ivy.

Patty was very special to a lot of people. She was a wonderful wife, loving mother and grandmother, cherished friend and devoted sister. Patty will be remembered for her selflessness, determination, and endless love. Her children and family meant the world to her and she was very proud of each of them. Patty’s greatest treasure was her grandbaby Ivy, whom she talked to every day.

Patty’s last gift on earth was being an organ donor. Her liver allowed the recipient a new lease on life and her kidneys allowed two others to be freed from the constraints of dialysis. Following the donation surgery, Patty was cremated in Florida, per her wishes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11am Saturday, January 27, 2023 at St. Hilary Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.