Anthony R. "Pat" Patterson, devoted family man, business executive, barbershop singer, and veteran of two wars, died Friday morning, June 12, 2015, following complications from a stroke. He was 93 years old. Of his many accomplishments, Pat was especially proud of his military service. From May 1942 to late 1945, Pat served as a Captain in the United States Army Air Corps. As the engineering officer for the 479th Fighter Group in Wattisham, England, he supervised repairs of the P-38 Lightning and P-51 Mustang fighters that flew daily missions escorting bomber aircraft over Nazi Germany. Pat and his ground crews maintained their fighters in a state of 100% readiness for combat, no matter how many aircraft had been lost or damaged on previous missions. In addition to his primary duty, Pat was the morale officer for his squadron, and he performed and sang in the "479th Variety Show." While waiting to return stateside, Pat and his troupe toured Germany and entertained audiences of Allied troops. Their tour culminated with performances at the Nuremberg Opera House. In April 1951, Pat returned to service as a Major in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. As engineering officer for the 306th Bomb Wing, he supervised the maintenance of B-47 Stratojets in the first jet-powered nuclear-capable bomb squadron. Working tirelessly, Pat not only organized maintenance personnel for his own squadron, but he also trained cadres of master and technical sergeants for assignment to other squadrons. For his leadership and technical expertise, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Commendation by the Strategic Air Command. He also earned the American Defense Medal. Born August 25th, 1921 to Raymond Patrick and Lillian Frances Maguire Patterson, Pat was raised in Louisville, Kentucky. As an elementary student, he won the spelling championship of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He graduated first in his class from St. Xavier High School. Then, in 1942, he received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kentucky. At UK, Pat was elected student government president, and he was the first independent candidate to hold that office. For his achievements in academics and leadership, he earned memberships in Tau Beta Pi and Omicron Delta Kappa honorary fraternities. He treasured his Kentucky upbringing, and in later years he represented his university at numerous official functions outside the state. In 1980, he was named a Kentucky Colonel by Governor John Brown, Jr. In January 1946, following his wartime service, Pat moved to Lancaster to work as a project engineer for the Armstrong Cork Company. He remained an Active member of the National Society of Professional Engineers into his nineties. He was also a founding member of the Armstrong Corkers barbershop quartet, and he sang with the group for several years. In late 1947, Pat met Margaret Simpson. The couple had their first date on Valentine's Day 1948, and by May they were engaged. They married on October 16th, 1948. Pat and Margaret raised eight children, and they remained committed for 59 years until Margaret's death in March 2008. Professionally, Pat always pursued broader management scope. After joining Raybestos Manhattan in their U.S. Asbestos division, he rose to the position of Assistant General Manager. In 1970, he became vice president and general manager of the Manhattan division in Passaic, NJ. In 1973, he organized and was named president of RM Roll Products Company in Waverly, PA. When that company was bought by Beloit Corporation, he became CEO of Beloit Manhattan, Inc. Through unique research and development, construction of new plants, acquisitions, and licensing of its technology, the BMI roll coverings became the top choice of paper makers around the world. Following his retirement in 1983, Pat remained active as a business consultant for several years. He later served as a bailiff in the Lancaster County Court system. In 1984, based on performance prior to retirement, the Rubber Manufacturers Association honored him as "Executive of the Year." Pat was a lifelong student and avid proponent of education. He furthered his business studies at Franklin & Marshall College and the University of California. At age 72, he enrolled in the J.D. program at the Widener University School of Law. His volunteer activities continued into his late eighties. These included tutoring at-risk children in the Hempfield School District and serving as a lector for the Catholic Chapel at Lancaster Regional Medical Center. He held active memberships in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Knights of Columbus, the Lancaster Irish American Cultural Society, and Sacred Heart R.C. Church. Pat was preceded in death by his brother Raymond L. Patterson of Cincinatti, OH, his sister Ramelle F. Patterson of Louisville, KY, his sons Joseph Timothy Patterson and Anthony R. Patterson, Jr., his daughter Marian Patterson Byrnes, his grandson Thomas Patrick Byrnes, his son-in-law Mark Edmund Burns, and his wife Margaret Simpson Patterson. He is survived by sons Christopher M. Patterson (Melissa Roman), Matthew P. Patterson, Sr. (Sarah Breneman), George B. Patterson (Nancy Seiler) of Sewickley, daughters Margaret M. Patterson of Longboat Key, FL, and Rosemary P. Costello (John M.) of West Chester, and ten grandchildren. In the last week of his life, Pat was surrounded by generations of his immediate and extended families and many close friends. Although his voice was weakened, he sang some of his old barbershop songs. He died as his son George held his hand. Pat was fond of saying that adversity in life "builds character." He will be remembered for his favorite aphorism; "A little hard work is good for the soul." A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 501 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA, on Friday, June 19, 2015, at 11 AM, with Rev. Michael Culkin as Celebrant. Viewings will take place on Thursday from 6-8 pm, at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA, and on Friday at the church from 10-11 AM. Interment with Military Honors will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Pat's memory to Saint Xavier High School, 1609 Poplar Level Rd., Louisville, KY 40217-1359.