Dallas, TX - Patrick James Neligan, Jr. passed away in Dallas, Texas, on March 28, 2026, surrounded by his family. Pat was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, a consummate gentleman, and an outstanding lawyer.

Pat was born March 9, 1956, in Milledgeville, Georgia to Dorris Paetzell Neligan and Patrick James Neligan, Sr., and was the first of six children. Pat was the quintessential oldest brother, both the anchor and the standard bearer for all of his siblings. The family moved to Stonegate Farm outside of town where the red Georgia clay seeped into his soul and stayed with him throughout his life. Though he could later tell you the intricacies of the Bankruptcy Code or which vintage of pinot noir was best, he could still tell the difference between the pawprint of a coyote versus a fox and the fat content of the milk of various dairy cows. He was active in 4-H and debate team, and played baseball and football, as well as piano and trombone. While completing high school, he simultaneously carried a full load of courses at the local college. Pat went on to attend Yale University, where he was president of the Yale Political Union and graduated Magna Cum Laude, and subsequently attended the University of Chicago Law School. He began his legal career practicing litigation, but soon found his calling in the fast-paced world of commercial bankruptcy. After completing an extended stint as law clerk for the Honorable Judge Robert C. McGuire, chief judge for the US Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Pat began a successful career in bankruptcy law with both Dallas and New York-based law firms. In 1995, Pat and a partner started a law firm, now known as Neligan LLP, which for more than thirty years has successfully handled complex bankruptcy and bankruptcy litigation matters. Pat was also a founding member of the The Honorable John C. Ford American Inn of Court, as well as a regular speaker at bankruptcy conferences over the years. Pat was known for working doggedly for his clients, but being solution-oriented; for being tough, but honest and fair; and for upholding the highest ethical standards.

Pat met Maura Susan Victor in law school and they were married in New York in 1984, in a ceremony that blended their very different backgrounds and families. Pat always said that he had won the lottery when they met. Together they raised a beautiful family and built a law firm while enjoying a fulfilling life together.

Pat had an insatiably curious mind and was a font of information, both useful and insightful, as well as random and far-flung. He was a natural storyteller and wove years-long stories for his children and grandchildren with full casts of characters and progressive storylines. Pat became a serious enophile and built an impressive collection of wines over the years which he relished sharing with family and friends. More recently, his enjoyment of whisky and bourbon led to the creation of a tasting group that brought him great pleasure. Pat also enjoyed gardening, reading, travel, the Georgia and Yale Bulldogs, British mystery shows, and a good walk with his dog.

Pat was preceded in death by his brother, John Derr Neligan, and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Maura; his children Patrick Neligan III (Monica) and Megan Neligan; and his grandchildren Camila Neligan, Paloma Neligan, and Patrick Neligan IV. He will be remembered for his loving kindness, his generosity, his wit, and his integrity.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ACLU, Dallas CASA, Dallas SPCA, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.