Robert Allston Patterson

Dr. Robert Allston Patterson of Pensacola, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on May 10, 2023, at the age of 84. Bob was born in New Britain, Connecticut, on October 2, 1938. Bob briefly attended a Catholic seminary while in high school, but did not pursue the priesthood. He returned to his local high school where he met Ardell Schmidt. They married and raised a family together until her death in 2019. Bob was very fortunate to find love again and remarried in 2022, to Marion Woodley Patterson.

Bob’s core values included the importance of education, which he nurtured for both himself and his family. He was curious, intellectual and enjoyed a lifetime of learning. Bob obtained a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He received a Master's of Education from the University of Hartford. He continued his education and received a certificate of advanced graduate studies from the University of Illinois Urbana Champagne, where he was a recipient of a fellowship of the National Defense Education Act. Later, Bob returned to his beloved alma mater, Boston College, to earn a Doctorate in Education Administration. He was passionate about the importance of children receiving a quality public school education. Bob served in many roles in public school education, beginning his career as a math teacher, then a guidance counselor, special education director, assistant superintendent of curriculum development, concluding his years in the education field as superintendent of schools. His career covered multiple schools in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.

After his retirement, he moved from his home in the White Mountains of New Hampshire to Perdido Key, where he volunteered at the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, helping struggling families in the area. He cherished his Catholic faith and attended Mass often at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. In his retirement, Bob enjoyed playing golf, going to the beach, reading, and following his Boston College Eagles. He also took delight in celebrating his grandsons’ accomplishments.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Allston Clyde and Marian Johnson Patterson, sisters, Mary Ann O’Connor and Mary Elaine Patterson and wife, Ardell Patterson.

He is survived by his wife, Marion Woodley Patterson, daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Jim Hagerott and grandsons Brian and Shaun, son and daughter-in law, Robert and Barbara Patterson and grandsons Reed and Trevor, and his step children, Ross (Michelle) Woodley, David (Kim) Woodley, Cathy (Ron) Butler and Douglas (Karla) Woodley.

A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for May 19, 2023. The family will receive friends and family for a visitation at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 10650 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola, Florida, followed by Mass at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, 1300 East Hayes Street, Pensacola, Florida, followed by a reception at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church Family Life Center.

Bob has a deep commitment to his service at St. Vincent de Paul Society. Donations in Bob’s memory to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society at Holy Spirit, 10650 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola, Florida, 32507 would be appreciated.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oaklawnfunerals.com for the Patterson family.