William J. Patterson

In Rembrance of William J. Patterson

William J. Patterson, age 87, died peacefully at his home in Malvern, PA, with the sun shining on his face on October 23, 2023, surrounded by his wife, son, daughter, and grand-dog.

Born on August 25, 1936, in New York, NY, to William J. Patterson and Dorothea Schnakenberg Patterson, Bill is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Patricia Vehrkens Patterson; his devoted son, William K. Patterson (Barbara); his devoted daughter, Doreen Patterson Cunningham (Jim Cunningham, deceased); five beloved grandchildren, Cheryl Patterson Pfister (Andrew); William R. Patterson (Alexa); James W. Cunningham; Shana Patterson Watkins (Garrett); and Christopher C. Cunningham. He is also survived by five great grandchildren whom he adored: Hayden Pfister; William G. Patterson; twins, Edward and Andrew Pfister; and Wesley Patterson. Additional survivors include sister-in-law Karen Vehrkens (Kenneth T, Vehrkens, deceased); niece, Jessica Batha (Buddy); nephew, Kenneth J. Vehrkens (Sacha).

Bill was raised in Bergenfield, NJ, graduated from Bergenfield High School, attended Pratt Institute in NY and Fairleigh Dickinson University. He served in the U.S. Army as a military police officer stationed in Germany. Upon his discharge, he joined the firm of Arthur B. Fowler, Inc., a major northern New Jersey commercial builder, where he worked as Project Manager for 30 years, overseeing the bidding, construction, and completion of numerous large projects.

Throughout his life, Bill engaged in several leisure activities. He enjoyed waterskiing on Lake Hopatcong and played many rounds of golf. An excellent golfer, he won three club championship titles, shot three holes in one, and served as Greens Chair at the three clubs he belonged to. Another pastime included planting over 200 rosebushes for Pat’s rose gardens at their homes in Old Tappan and Lake Mohawk, NJ, and Hershey’s Mill, PA. Bill always put his family first; he enjoyed family gatherings manning the grill and hosting 25 years of Outer Banks vacations.

A loving husband; devoted, generous father and grandfather; loyal friend; Bill’s presence will be missed. Although his loss is greatly mourned,

           What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.    __Helen Keller

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Burial Service at George Washington Memorial Cemetery, Paramus, NJ, on December 16 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Service. For those who wish to honor Bill’s memory, donations may be sent to a charity of your choice.