George J. Patterson 84,of Franklin, died Monday December 18, 2006 at the Franklin Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, following a long illness. He was the husband of the late Mabel E. (Gazzola) Patterson, who died in 2005.
Born in Stow, Ma., June 23, 1922 a son of the late Arthur and Mary (Delorey) Patterson, he lived in Franklin since 1947.
He was educated in Stow, and was a retired custodian for the Franklin Public School Department. He also worked as a truck driver for several beverage delivery companies.
During WW11 he served in the US Coast Guard. He was stationed in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He crossed in the Arctic Circle 23 times, and also served on patrol boats in Pearl Harbor. He attained the rank of Signalman Third Class, and was awarded the American Area Ribbon, European, European-African Middle Eastern Area Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Ribbon, the World War 11 Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in February 1946.
He was a member of Franklin Post #3402 VFW in Franklin, The Franklin Senior Citizens, The American Association of Retired Persons, and was a longtime volunteer at the St. Rocco festival at St. Mary’s Church. He was also an avid fisherman.
He is survived by 3 daughters Linda A Boynton and her husband Thomas of Wrentham, Cynthia J. Kalil and her husband Michael of Franklin, Kimberly A. Patterson of Franklin, a brother Henry Patterson of Boxborough, 2 sisters Ruth Patterson and Mary Elizabeth Tobin both of Maynard, 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
He was also the brother of the late Arthur and Robert Patterson.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral with full military honors Friday at 9:45AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. with a graveside service at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at 11:15AM. Interment will follow.
Calling hours are Thursday from 5-8PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations in his memory sent to the Activities Fund at the Franklin Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation 130 Chestnut St. Franklin, MA 02038 would be appreciated.