Marine Staff Sgt. Patrick R. Dolphin, 29, of Moscow, Pa.
SSgt Dolphin was assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died July 31, 2011 in Herat province, Afghanistan, while supporting combat operations. Also killed were Sgt. Dennis E. Kancler and Sgt. Christopher M. Wrinkle.
SSgt Dolphin graduated from North Pocono High School in 2000. Shortly after graduating high school, he enlisted in the Marines. He enjoyed flying, having earned his Private Pilot License which he attained as a civilian.
This was his second tour in Afghanistan. He had previously been deployed to Iraq twice.
His grandmother, Irene Golden, knew he was a perfect fit for the Marines. Ever since he was a child, he wanted to be a soldier or Marine
"From the moment he was born, he was a Marine," Irene said, recalling memories of Sgt. Dolphin running through the woods near his childhood home playing soldier with a toy gun.
He had a happy life; he was dedicated to being a serviceman," she said. "He made a beautiful, handsome Marine."
Mother, Jean Uffalussy, said her son always wanted to be in the military and signed up with the Marines when he turned 17. He was off to boot camp as soon as he graduated high school.
“All his life he wanted to be in the military,” she said. “He deserves a hero's welcome.”
"He was hardcore, a non-stop Jarhead," friend Nick Butler recalled of his friend and fellow Marine. "Once you're a Marine, you're a Marine for life. We're a different breed."
Nick suffered an injury while serving two tours of duty in Iraq. He said the Sgt. Dolphin he enlisted and served with was dedicated to his cause and his military family, making the loss that much harder.
"This hits close too home, growing up with the guy," Nick said. "My heart is torn out for Lindsey and Tommy," he added.
Funeral services were held on August 10th with iInternment at Cathedral Cemetery in Scranton.
SSgt Dolphin is survived by his mother, Jean; wife of two years, Lindsey; brother, Thomas; grandparents, Irene and Edward.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, William L. Dolphin and two uncles, James J. “Chopsey” Igoe, U.S. Navy and Patrick Igoe, U.S. Marine; both of whom Patrick was close with and will be interned near them in the Cathedral Cemetery.
Marine Staff Sgt. Patrick R. Dolphin was killed in action on 7/31/11.
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