Friends

It is with deep regret that I wish to inform our followers that my dear friend and fellow Monochromia contributor Patricia Fogarty (aka Patti Kuche) has passed away. She is survived by her loving husband Mark Fogarty and her sons Iggy, Dom and Patrick. All of us at this blog want to extend our deepest sympathy to Mark and family. She will leave a void in hearts of the many people who have had the pleasure of knowing her.

Patti Fogarty

Images by Stacy Fischer

Patti was first and foremost a great street photographer. She was also a dear friend and a genuinely fun person to be around. My wife Theresa and I had a special connection with Patti. We adored her mixture of Australian and London brogue accent and I don’t think there was ever a time where she failed to make us laugh when we got together.

When I first became friends with Patti she only had two requests:

She was to be notified every time I came into town. I never once broke this request nor would I ever dream of a trip into Manhattan without getting together with Patti.

2. We must finish every meet up having a discussion about the day over an ice cold IPA.

”My heart is broken. How fortunate I was to meet Patti through Monochromia and how blessed I was to spend some time with her in NYC, walking the streets with our cameras in hand. She had grown into an amazingly talented street photographer. The world is darker for the loss of Patti’s talent; my world is darker for the loss of her friendship. Rest with the angels, Patti.” – Stacy Fischer

Patti Fogarty

Joe Giordano, Patti Fogarty

Patti Fogarty, Joe Giordano

Patti Fogarty, Stacy Fischer

Joe Giordano, Patti Fogarty

Patti Fogarty, Gracie and Robyn Graham

Images by Laurie Buchwald

These images were taken by fellow Monochromia contributor Laurie Buchwald on a beautiful autumn weekend that we all shared during a Monochromia get together in NYC a couple of years ago. Patti really touched all of our hearts.

“When I think of Patti, there are 4 main absolutes that come to mind. I was only in her presence physically for 48 hours but like many the world over, feel that I knew her well.

Selfless – we “met” through blogging and became friends through Joe. She was selfless with her time in that no matter which blogger came to visit the City, or how often, she was on board to meet and shoot.

Generous – she was generous with her time, her talent, and her praise. She made me, the amateur in the group, feel like I belonged. She always offered encouragement and praise of my photography efforts, and I know she did the same for others.

Passionate – about family, friendship, life, and politics (thank goodness we were on the same side! I loved her for that!).

So Much Fun – always ready for a beer, and in my mind, what else do you need?

While a gifted photographer, she was humble and never wanted the attention on herself, rather on all the people she photographed. The streets will miss her craft, as will her family and many, many friends” – Laurie Buchwald

With Robyn Graham, Laurie Buchwald, Yours truly, Patti Fogarty, Stacy Fischer

With Patricia Fogarty, Joe Giordano, Elina Kesvatera

With Joe Giordano, Patricia Fogarty, Rico Rodriguez

Images by Theresa Giordano

These images were taken by my wife Theresa with the exception of the second photo which was taken by Piotr Gutaker (Elina’s fiancé) in June of 2019. I didn’t know at the time this would be the last time I would ever see Patti again.

Patti was excited to get together on that god awful humid June day to meet another friend and fellow Monochromia contributor from Finland, Elina K. who was visiting NYC for the first time. The first image in the group was taken at the time of the Monochromia NYC meetup and the last image was when Patti and I were both excited to meet fellow Monochromia contributor Rico Rodriguez from Scotland in Times Square NYC.

Its always hard to say goodbye to a friend and colleague but for my wife and I this is different. She pierced our hearts with love, laughter and friendship, and for that we are forever grateful to have known her for her short time with us.

So, in Ireland’s fine tradition, I tip a glass for you Patti. To endure your loving spirit forever.

Mar sin, i dtraidisiún breá na hÉireann, tarraingím gloine duit Patti. Go mairfidh do spiorad grámhar go deo.