ELMWOOD PARK, NEW JERSEY – Family, friends, classmates, and the entire community of Elmwood Park are reeling from the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Patrick Gorczowski, a bright and beloved student at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Patrick passed away unexpectedly this week, leaving behind a legacy of brilliance, kindness, and quiet determination that touched countless lives.
Born and raised in Elmwood Park, Patrick was a proud son of New Jersey who made his hometown proud. A graduate of Elmwood Park Memorial High School, he was known for his sharp intellect, love of technology, and deep curiosity about the world around him. His early passion for computers and software led him to pursue a degree in Computer Science at NJIT, where he was widely respected among his professors and peers.
A Promising Mind and Gentle Soul
Patrick stood out not just for his academic talents but for his calm, grounded presence. He was the kind of person who offered help without being asked, listened more than he spoke, and built meaningful connections with those around him. Friends recall him as someone who could solve the toughest coding problems with ease — and still make time to explain things to classmates who were struggling.
His professors describe him as “one of the most dedicated and inquisitive students” they’d taught, someone who approached problems with both logic and creativity. At NJIT, he was working on several projects that showed real promise, including contributions to open-source software and interest in machine learning and ethical tech development.
A Sudden and Heartbreaking Loss
Patrick’s sudden passing has left his loved ones in shock. The news has cast a somber shadow over both his hometown and the NJIT community. While the exact circumstances of his death have not been publicly disclosed, what remains certain is the profound grief felt by those who knew and loved him.
In the days since his passing, tributes have poured in from classmates, mentors, and friends. Many have taken to social media to share their memories of Patrick — from long study sessions and tech meetups to shared laughs and quiet moments of encouragement.