Town Council Honors Memory of Pat McGee

By Adam Swift

The Town Council held a moment of silence in honor of Winthrop High School track and field trailblazer Patricia “Pat” McGee at the beginning of Tuesday night’s meeting.

McGee, who coached the Winthrop High boys cross country and track teams to several championships, died on Feb. 24 at the age of 94.

“Pat moved to Winthrop, in Point Shirley specifically, after World War II and stayed there for 80 years,” said Council President James Letterie. “To say she loved the Point is a huge understatement.”

While perhaps most lauded for her accomplishments as a track coach, Letterie said she had multiple interests, including an incredible singing voice.

“Pat was a soloist at Holy Rosary, a 60-year member of the Winthrop Playmakers, served as president, director, and producer of numerous productions and beautiful performances, as well,” said Letterie. “Pat loved and took great pleasure in leading the festivities in the Point Shirley Fourth of July Horribles Parade.”

Letterie noted that McGee began her legendary coaching career as a volunteer, then as assistant coach in 1974, becoming head coach of the Winthrop High boys track team in 1981.

McGee was the first woman in Massachusetts history to coach a boys high school team.

“Her 36 years of success are legendary, and includes nine coach of the year awards, 14 NEC championships, 14 conference championships and eight state championships,” Letterie said. “Pat is a member of the Winthrop High School Hall of Fame, and also was one of the first women inducted into the Massachusetts track coaching hall of fame.”

In recognition of all of her accomplishments, the new track at Miller Field was named Patricia “Pat” McGee Track in her honor.

“A truly remarkable woman who embodied good about Winthrop,” Letterie said.

McGee was the mother of four children, Dr. Paul McGee, Trisha McGee Diaz, Kevin McGee, and John McGee. She was the wife of the late Arthur J. McGee.