Michael AJ Patten

Michael AJ Patten, of Old Saybrook, left this world on April 27 after living an adventurous and generous life. To quote George Bernard Shaw, which describes Michael's outlook on life, "This is the true joy in life, the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap..."

He was born in Chicago, the first son of Margaretta Agnes (Kelley Moran) Patten and Alexander Stephen Patten on March 29, 1939. Following his graduation from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, he enlisted with the U.S. Marines. After fulfilling his service, he applied to the University of Michigan, turning down an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. This was the beginning of his lifelong loyalty to Michigan. After graduating from Michigan, Michael began his CPA career with Ernst & Young in their Detroit office. Seven years later he opened a private practice.

He moved this practice to Washington Depot, CT in 1997 where he worked until his retirement in 2019. Michael remained friends with many of his clients and always enjoyed coffee from "The Pantry" with his good friend, Michael. It was this move to Connecticut where he eventually met his devoted life partner, Diane.

Michael loved his work and enjoyed life to the fullest with family and friends, traveling to Greece, Italy, France, Ireland, England, the Caribbean and of course "Meechigan." Most notable was when he surprised Diane with the news, he had signed them up for a 5am bike ride around the island of Barbados, (after getting his hair braided!) He always regretted not being able to join his brother Jack at Woodstock but considered himself the "hippie CPA."

Michigan football became his total focus, and he was proud to say he held season tickets for 30 years. In the words of Bob Uffer, "Football is a religion and Saturday is the Holy Day of Obligation." Saturdays during the season, the faithful Michael could be found in his M den, dressed in his maize and blue Michigan clothes, right down to his socks, ready for the game. If Michigan won, he would have his "celebratory manhattan". Anyone who knew Michael could almost believe he would bleed maize and blue blood.

Michael will be deeply missed by Diane, his brother, Jack and sister-in-law, Merle Patten, their children, Helen (Nell) Patten Burns and husband Brad and nephew Richard, his brother Alexander Stephen Patten and his children, A. Stephen Patten, William Sean Patten and Richard A. Patten. He also leaves behind stepsons Michael and wife Suzanne Choate, Thomas and wife Robyn Choate, Grandchildren, Jamie, Marissa, Alison, Jeffrey and Ethan, Sister-in-law Judith Lopol, Sister-in law Sharon and Brother-in-law, Thad Valechko (Marine Vietnam Veteran).

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022 at 11am at Swan Funeral Home, located at 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, CT.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Michael’s name to the VNA Community Care and Hospice at 753 Boston Post Rd, Guilford, CT 06437, the ASPCA at ASPCA.org, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital at 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

GO BLUE Michael!