Richard Charles Patterson

He was born on July 6, 1924 in Noank, the son of Charles and Mildred Schoonmaker Patterson.

Rit graduated from Robert E. Fitch High School in 1943. He joined the Army during the last six months of high school and served in the 10th Armored Division under General Patton.

He worked for 34 years at Radway’s Dairy (which later became Guida’s Dairy) as a retail route salesman, retiring in 1984. He was the last delivery route salesman for Guida’s Dairy in this area.

Rit married the former Elizabeth MacKenzie on May 14, 1948 in Las Vegas, NV. They had a wonderful marriage of 68 years.

Rit was a member of the Flanders Baptist Community Church where he served as a Deacon. He was a 50 year member of the Masons, the Cohanzie Fire Dept. and Shennecosett Golf Club. He enjoyed golfing, gardening and most of all, his family.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Donald C. Patterson of Waterford, grandchildren Janine Chattelle and Mackenzie Patterson, great-grandson Nathan Patterson, nieces Heather Castillo of Virginia, Kathryn Patterson, Laurie Patterson and Susan McClaine of Michigan, sister-in-law Catherine Patterson of Mystic and a cousin Frank Schoonmaker of Mystic.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Flanders Baptist Community Church. A Calling Hour will be held one hour prior to the service at 1:00 PM in the church. Burial will be private. Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, New London is handling the arrangements. Please visit www.fultontherouxnewlondon.com for photos, tributes, directions and more service information.