Thomas Joseph Patterson

Thomas Joseph Patterson was born July 11, 1928 and passed peacefully into the loving arms of the Lord July 18, 2022. Beloved husband of Anne, The love of his life. They just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June. Cherished father of David and Barbara, Mark and Gina, Donna and Barry and Patrick and Jacqui. Adoring grandfather (POP) of Tifany, Michele, Thomas, Luke and Hannah. Brother in-law to Russell & Robert and Kathy. Loving Uncle Tom or TJ to many, many nephews and nieces. He is reunited in heaven with his parents David and Johanna and his brother and best friend William and his two beloved sisters Gladys and Dolores.

Tom was born in Hackensack, NJ and grew up in Bergenfield, NJ. He graduated Bergenfield High School. One of his first jobs was stacking pins at the bowling alley there. He served his country in the Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany.

Tom and Anne met in 1962 at a party, they married soon after and then bought their home in Hillsdale where they settled and raised their family. Tom was a hard worker and a great family provider. He owned and managed the two Shell Gas Stations in Hasbrouck Heights from 1962-1987.

Tom was a devout Christian who loved reading the Bible. He also enjoyed gardening, roller skating, bowling, water skiing and watching the NY Giants. TJ was a great conversationalist and a great debater. He loved to tease and joke around and make someone smile or laugh. Some of his favorite expressions were… "Don’t take any wooden nickels" and "Go sing over by the window I’ll help you out."

Oh how he loved his coffee, ice cream, a good Scotch Old fashioned and Johnny Walker. He also loved tinkering in the garage. He never threw anything away and nothing went to waste. Tom’s hands were blessed; he could fix or build anything. He did beautiful woodwork and was a crafter furniture refinisher.

A memorial celebration of life service for Tom will be held at the River Vale Community Church on Saturday, August 13 at 300pm. The family asks that any memorial donations be made in his honor to St Jude’s Hospital, the Wounded Warriors Program or the River Vale Community church.