BUFFALO, N.Y. — Shea’s Performing Arts Center is honoring the man who helped bring the cultural institution into the modern age. The theatre announced Saturday afternoon the passing of former President and CEO Patrick Fagan.

Patrick Fagan led Shea’s from 1986 through 2002. During that time, he oversaw the $16 million Shea’s Buffalo Theatre stage expansion project, which opened up Buffalo to Broadway’s biggest touring productions.

“I have had the profound honor of knowing Patrick Fagan for nearly 30 years,” said Brian Higgins, President & CEO of Shea’s. “Patrick was a good man, brimming with ideas, guided by a vision, and driven by a commitment to be a faithful steward to a place he loved. His impact on Shea’s is immeasurable. The theatre we know today, as a premier destination for touring Broadway productions, would not exist without his foresight, determination, and tireless leadership in spearheading the stage expansion project. Patrick Fagan’s contributions will be felt for generations, and his legacy lives on through Shea’s. We are eternally grateful.”

Mr. Fagan is also credited with growing attendance, adding Shea’s Smith Theatre to the performing arts campus, and establishing the Western New York Entertainment Hall of Fame — the latter of which he was inducted into last October.

“Patrick Fagan’s heart was deeply invested in and committed to Shea’s,” says Jonathan Dandes, Chairman of Shea’s Board of Trustees. “Long after his tenure as President, he remained a consistent presence at performances and events, and as a trusted advisor and friend to the Shea’s Board, leadership, employees, and volunteers. We are forever grateful for his service to Shea’s.”

In addition to his time at Shea’s, Patrick Fagan served as Finance Director for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Interim CEO for Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, and adjunct professor at SUNY Buffalo, Erie, and Fredonia.