Lee Roy Patterson

Roy, as he was called in life, is survived by his daughter Susan Bramer and her husband John Bramer; his son Michael Patterson and his wife Marion Patterson; his son David Patterson, and his daughter Mary Patterson Clark. He is also survived by his granddaughter: Jennifer Bramer O'Connor and her husband Cormac O’Connor and their children Fiona, Ian, Maeve, and Claire; his grandson Nicholas Bramer and his wife Lesley Gabe Bramer and their children Cadam and Kylie; his grandson William "Buster" Patterson and his wife Amber and their children Grant and Quinn; his grandsons Roy Patterson, Remus Patterson, Peter Clark, and Daniel Clark.

Roy’s life began in Stockton, California in 1931, during the depression. He took a chance and applied to the U.S. Naval Academy and was accepted, graduating in 1954. In 1953, while at the Academy, he met Dolores Scarpelli, who happened to be visiting the Academy with a friend. They were married October 30, 1954. And they both lived an incredible life, bringing forward this amazing family listed above.

His career in the Navy spanned 28 years during which he was a pilot, flying S-2’s off aircraft carriers, and later, he flew P-2’s . He taught chemistry at the Naval Academy, was the Naval Attaché to the US Embassy in London, and before he retired, he was the first Naval leader of the National Reconnaissance Office. These are highlights of that incredible career that took the family from Kansas to California, Virginia Beach, to Annapolis, London and back to Annapolis.

His post Navy career was equally impressive having started with a small defense contractor in the DC area, which was subsequently acquired several times. He worked on any number of classified projects, and he was a real rocket scientist.

He and Dolores loved to travel, in particularly going to Italy. They traveled much of the world, often generously bringing members of the family with them. For the last 20+ years they would spend a couple of weeks each year in Cabo San Lucas, escaping the winter weather. They purchased a house in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware in 2004 and that became another gathering place for the family and still is today. Roy and Dolores moved in the continuing care facility of Ginger Cove, in Annapolis in 2011 and split their time between Rehoboth and Annapolis.

Roy lost Dolores this last July, which was very hard on him, having been together for almost 70 years. He was an amazing man, husband, father, brother, and friend. His memories are a blessing to his family and all those who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

A visitation with reception for Lee will be held Thursday, January 4, 2024 from 3 to 6 PM at John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.