Robert Patterson

Robert E. Patterson, of Latrobe, passed away on June 12, 2024. The son of Thomas M. Patterson, Jr., and Gertrude (Horn) Patterson, he was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on December 26, 1926. He grew up in Jeannette, graduating from Jeannette High School in 1944. Robert served with the 74th Signal Corps in World War II, acting as message chief in Tokyo. Returning to Jeannette after the war, he earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and began his fifty-year career in public education. Eventually earning his Master's from the University of Pittsburgh as well, he served as a teacher or principal in Upper St. Clair, Hempfield, Meadville, Fairview, and Mt. Pleasant. After his stints in Meadville and Fairview, Robert returned to Southwestern Pennsylvania in 1972, putting down roots in the West Point section of Greensburg, where he lived until 2023. He was an active member of Otterbein United Methodist Church, serving on several leadership committees and as a member of the choir. Robert was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Joyce Prinzler Patterson. He is survived by sons Robert E. Patterson, Jr. (Inmi), James G. Patterson (Ellen), John E. Patterson (Magdalena), and daughter Melody J. Ries (Allen); their children Matthew, Zachary, Jackie, Benjamin, Nathan, David, Evelyn, Danielle, Jacqueline, Carlien, and Christiaan; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Charlotte Jean Graham, his siblings Donald, Grace, and Thomas, and his grandson, Andrew. Private interment will be in Westmoreland County Memorial Park, Greensburg. A memorial service will be held at a later date.