Obituaries

Anthony R. “Pat” Patterson, 93

June 12, 2015

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.

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page


Be sure to include your name

Please note that your condolence will not appear on this page until it is reviewed. Condolences usually appear within 24 hours of being submitted.

Condolences to the Family

June 23, 2015

I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Russell’s death. Your dad was certainly one of a kind, as were his brother and sister. And all of us “kids” have inherited that same strength and determination and all the other good qualities they taught us.I am thankful that Lynn and I made the trip to Lancaster two weeks ago.  I had a strong feeling I should go, as did Lynn, I believe.I will keep praying for you all. It is a heavy load you all have but know God will help you.I don’t know if you knew but your dad was sending me pictures he found of our family members that he was finding in Ramelle’ s boxes as he went through them. I have one of him in his military uniform and got a grade school picture of Chris in among them also. I meant to bring those with me but the old memory ain’t what it used to be!Take care and please pass my condolences along to your siblings also.Betsy

June 19, 2015

Dear Matt,
Two deaths within a couple of weeks are almost too much to endure. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Elaine Pease

June 19, 2015

So sorry to hear of the death of one of the “GREATS” of the greatest generation.  I will truly miss seeing him every week at the hospitlal chapel.  Pat was someone who truly lit up a room just by walking into it.  It was a priviledge to know him and Margaret.  They were the people who always made you have a better day just by running into them.  He was always so proud of his children and grandchildren and they have been a beautiful example of how to cate for your aging parents.  I am sorry that Tim and I are out of town for his service.  He always made me promise I would wear a hat to his funeral. May he rest in peace with the Lord and his beloved Margaret.  Eileen Tymon

June 18, 2015

Below is a note that we received from John Skrief.  He was the HR person in Clarks Summit.  He was the one who bought the Clark Mansion in Clarks Summit at the foot of Fairview Road.  He and his wife now live in Delaware.  
 
Don Oblazney
============================================================================
Note from the Skrief’s:
 
Thank you for the e-mail concerning Pat”s passing.  His knowledge of the full spectrum of the business was greater than any manager I have worked for.  We are glad he didn’t have a lingering period following the stroke.
John and Julie 

June 18, 2015

Below is a note from Dave Demello who was a marketing person that worked with us in Clarks Summit.  It is hard to believe, but it is 32 years since we worked together.
 
Don Oblazney
 

Thank you for the info on Pat’s passing. He will always be in my thoughts.
 
regards
dave

June 18, 2015

 
Dear Rosie, Marge, Christopher, Matthew, and George;
Our hearts ache for you, we are so sorry for your loss, and want you to know that to us your parents have always been the greatest.  So now that the Lord & Margaret have called your dad home, try and fill your hearts with Happy Memories.
Rosie & John, we have always been close, please continue to keep in touch, take good care of Mollie & Maggie, the 2 most beautiful girls I have ever seen.  Keep the lines of communication open, & tell them I congratulate them for doing so well in College.
Margie; I was just reminiscing our shopping day at JC Penny’s at the View Mont Mall –  I think it was 1978, just you and me, you looking for a dress to attend the Wedding of a friend – I think.  You have been through so much, the loss of your Dear & Romantic Husband and all that has happened to the family these past few years, but you are also in our minds a lot.  You live in a beautiful area of Florida, enjoy all of it.  We love the area, we escape to it a few times a year. We will call you next time we are there.  Your parents were so happy for you when you got married, I remember the Wedding pictures, and they were classy.
Christopher, I was just thinking of the time you came home from College to the Big Metropolis of Clarks Summit, to no job to be found in Scranton.  After a couple of boring days you spent in Clarks Summit I phoned a neighbor and friend of ours who was the controller for Superman’s, the next day you had the accounting job in their trailer I think it was, and you soon found out accounting was not your calling and back to College you went for your Law degree. I was never too crazy of your first experiences as a lawyer, I could not understand why you were always defending the criminals, but your Mom assured me that would not be for long.
Matthew & George; our 2 boys were too young to attend so we left them home with  sitters to attend your matches and games locally with your parents.  And when your parents had to go out of town and you had a game at either Riverside or up or down the Valley they asked us to attend with a signed paper in case you were hurt we were to be by your side.  Talk about the love of your parents for you.   George, I will never forget I think it was your junior year at Prep, I would go to pick up our son Donny who was a freshman, watching you making everyone around you laugh while you waited for your ride home.  But I don’t think I ever thanked you and Nancy enough in 1993 & 94, when my husband had a terrible boss in Beloit Corp.  The name Bales should ring the bell,  you were so nice to his daughter when she moved to work in Pittsburg, you invited her to your home, you both did so much for her, the poor girl had the same personality of her parents, we never scored Brownie Points with them. (Good old John Bales)
I know you guys will not feel belter today, next week or next month, but you will feel better as time passes.  Your Mom and Dad are in a better place, together again, with the rest of your Uncles and Aunts. You have had 3 Good Lessons within the past 10 years.  Your marriages or remarriages are decisions that are of the most important of your life, NO MATTER HOW OLD YOU ARE, a wedding ring and a church or chapel do not guarantee a peaceful life.
A lot of work and fertilizer makes your lawn  as green as the one next door, work on what you have, and remember we love you all, and from the bottom of our hearts our prayers are with you family.
Love, Lucy & Don Oblazney
June 13, 2015

June 18, 2015

We’re so sad & sorry for the family but happy we had the chance to catch up with your dad recently!
 
I always admired your parents and loved them like family. I connected with them from an early age, as you know. Gina & I spoke about our long talk with your father at Harry’s and how great he looked, how well he sounded and his ever-present spirit!
 
I’ll cherish our last moments together.
 
Please extend our condolences to all your family. 
 
Love always,
 
Greg & Gina

June 17, 2015

We are sorry to hear of your fathers passing.He was a wonderful gentelman-always a delight to meet.It was a privlege to know him. Phil, Mickey & Chris Nissley
.

June 17, 2015

The CASTLE Staff would like to express our sincerest condolences to the Patterson family at the loss of their dear father and grandfather.  Our prayers are with you all and we hope that you will find comfort knowing that your loved one lived a full and meaningful life, touching many lives along the way.
Our Deepest Sympathy…The CASTLE Team

June 17, 2015

Dear Family-
As a Rowan cousin, going to school in Altoona, I have many fond memories my visits with the family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Sharon Rowan Ferry
 

June 17, 2015

A life of service to country and community, so typical of the greatest generation, slips away.  Our condolences to all Pattersons and extended family.

June 16, 2015

Dear George and Nancy,
We are deeply saddened to receive this news. He was quite a man. You and your family are in our prayers.
Steve & Karen Scholze

June 16, 2015

Thinking of you and your family, Margaret … and sending blessings during this time of sadness and at the same time celebration as your father is remembered and honored.
xoxo
Ellen Evans  

Visitation
Thursday, June 18, 2015
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Visitation
Friday, June 19, 2015
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
501 E. Orange St.
Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Services
Friday, June 19, 2015
11:00 AM
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
501 E. Orange St.
Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Send Flowers Online

Offering Lancaster, PA funeral services for over 75 years.

Our six funeral homes in Lancaster County makes it easy and convenient to make arrangements and host services close to home.

  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Downtown Lancaster
  • 414 East King St.
  • 717-393-9661
  • Charles F. (Chip) Snyder, Jr. Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lititz Pike
  • 3110 Lititz Pike
  • 717-560-5100
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Millersville
  • 441 North George St.
  • 717-872-5041
  • Mark D. Burkholder Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home Lititz, PA
  • 127 South Broad St.
  • 717-626-2317
  • Jacqueline Adamson Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Bachman-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory Strasburg, PA
  • 7 South Decatur Street
  • 717-687-7644
  • Norman T. Mable Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Willow Street, PA
  • 2421 Willow Street Pike
  • 717-464-4600
  • Kelly Gramola Townsend Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info