Obituaries
James “Jim” Joseph Patterson, 85
April 18, 2023
James “Jim” (or Pat as he was affectionately nicknamed) Joseph Patterson, (age 85), passed away on April 18, 2023, at Luther Acres, Lititz, PA. Jim was born on January 27, 1938, and was the son of the late Blanchard Slater and Lydia Louise Patterson. He was a lifelong resident of Lancaster County, and is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert E. Patterson.
He was married to his first love, Ruth A. Patterson, sharing 59 years of marriage, and separated only by her untimely death in 2015 to the hell that is cancer. He remarried several years later to Ann (Rinier) Patterson, who provided companionship and comfort after such a devasting loss.
He is survived by his immediate family of two daughters: Lydia, wife of Steve Cochran, Lancaster, PA; their children Kyle Cochran, husband to Melissa, Philadelphia, PA; and Kelli Cochran, San Francisco, CA; and Cindi, wife of Rick Robinson, New Holland, PA; their daughter Bree Robinson, wife of Jeremiah Baughman, and their soon-to-be son, his first great grandson, of Lancaster, PA. He is also survived by his brother’s family, nephew Craig Patterson and niece Tracy Cunningham, their spouses and one great nephew. He is a descendant of John and Lydia Sausman Wert.
Jim worked for most of his career at and retired from UGI Lancaster. Starting in the street department, he worked his way up to technician, ending his career at UGI Lancaster as head mechanic to the UGI fleet.
Over the years he enjoyed many pastimes, from shooting darts in a league, riding motorcycle with friends, to a membership in a local CB club (the CV Stardusters), which included a stint as president. His handle, of course, was Gas Man. Many great family memories were made, when he and Ruth first purchased a 14-foot Tag-a-Long camper, traversing the east coast with his parents and daughters. Once they found their love of camping, they eventually “glamped” their way to a beautiful fifth wheel camper, where one can be certain Ruth played a part in that upscale purchase!
Jim was multi-talented, from his calligraphy and drawing skills early on, to his woodworking and mechanical skills. He took pride in his workmanship, and consistently delivered with skill and excellence.
Jim was also a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Leola.
Services for Jim will be private.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
May 03, 2023
Dear Ann and Family
I am sorry to hear Jim passed. What a nice man! Always remembered his smile and warm personality from Zion Lutheran and the pool picnics. May he Rest In Peace.
Deidre La Monte
April 24, 2023
Hello Cindy and Lydia, my name is Tom Hall and I’m recently retired from UGI. I started there in1979 in customer service, and Pat was my first trainer as I rode with him performing service calls. He was a great instructor and I learned alot from him. My wife Denise was friends with your mother Ruth, and we both were amazed with her positive and fight with the “hell” cancer that she endured. Please accept our sincere condolences for Pat and Ruth. They were wonderful people. I would also like to offer condolences from another retired UGI coworker who does not have a cell phone or computer. Larry Bender and his wife Loretta knew the Pattersons, and Larry really appreciated and enjoyed working with Pat. With sincere condolences ,
Tom and Denise Hall.
Larry and Loretta Bender.
April 24, 2023
Cindi and Lydia and families,
Our thoughts are with you as you grieve the loss of your dad/grandfather. May your memories comfort you and may the knowledge that he is reunited with your mom bring you peace.
Barb and Ed Zercher
April 24, 2023
My sympathy to the family. Was hoping to see him at the Wert reunion. A cousin, Rachel Stover Weaver
April 24, 2023
Lydia, Cindi and family,
So sorry for your loss of your dad. Ruth and him are together again.
Ruth and Bob Davis
April 24, 2023
The heart that serves, and loves, and clings hears everywhere the rush of angel wings. No doubt Jim is among the heavenly hosts rejoicing in his new life. I pray each of you may know the peace of our Lord at this time.
Keith Shetter
April 23, 2023
Cindi,
Our condolences on the passing of your father. It is never easy losing a family member, but even harder when you lose a parent. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope that you and the family will be able to find peace, knowing that your father lived a great life and was a great man.
Our love,
Larry & Kimberly
April 23, 2023
Lydia and family, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful Dad, and Grandpa. Praying for you all!
Laura and Mike Wolfe
April 23, 2023
Lydia and Cindi and families, so sorry to see your Dad passed away, I remember his great smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Susie and Denny Arnold
April 23, 2023
Our deepest sympathies to the Paterson families for the loss of Jim (Pat). I worked with Pat during his and my career at UGI. I will always consider him a good friend because we shared many good times together during and after work. Prayers to Pat’s families during this difficult times. His legacy will live forever in your memories.
Clair E Kreider Jr
April 23, 2023
Rest in Peace Pat, your friendship and kindness will live in my memories forever
Larry Conley
April 22, 2023
Pat was like another grandfather to me. He helped me fix my truck and didn’t understand why I’d buy a Chevy haha. I will always remember him coming over to my parents house and have a beer or two with my dad and starting off by saying God bless you to each and shooting the shit about anything and everything. The times we’d go down to their house for the always fun picnics and watching NASCAR in their basement will always be in my memories. We will miss you Pat and now your with Ruth. Love ya buddy.
Jonathan Mack
April 22, 2023
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are for you and your parents and relatives.
Ben stayer
April 22, 2023
We share your sorrow and heartbreak over the passing of Pat. We were blessed to have known, loved, and been loved by Pat and Ruth for the 30 years we lived next door to them. They were neighbors, friends, mentors, and role models, even filling the void when our parents passed. Indeed, they embraced us into their family, and we are forever grateful. We’re lifting the entire family in prayer and holding you all in our hearts at this tender time, just as surely as our Heavenly Father holds you in His hands.
With deepest sympathy and much love,
Deb and Rick Gilgore
April 21, 2023
Pat was a friend and a great man to work with. I loved sitting down in the garage and talking trash…lol. You will be dearly missed!
Brian D Slinskey
