Mr. Richard Cyril Patterson

Richard Cyril Patterson, 79, passed away on November 5, 2010, peacefully. He was a resident of Arizona since 1976; born in Kirkland, Ohio on October 17, 1931, and was a hometown “Barbertonian” (Barberton, Ohio) until moving to Arizona. Known to friends and family as Richard, Rich or Richie, he was born to Cyril Richard and Sarah Rebecca (Shepherd) Patterson, both deceased

Richard is a proud Marine – “once a Marine, always a Marine” who served 8 ½ years including a tour in Korea during that war.

Richard is survived by his wife of sixty (60) years, Jean; daughter, Debra Blake (spouse Keith Moyer, deceased); son and namesake, David Richard; grandson and namesake, Craig Richard and his son and namesake, Zane Richard; and grandson, Justin, and his daughter, Emily.

By profession and God-given gift, he was a commercial artist as well as painted oil portraits. After retiring, he gave of himself through “caring and sharing” with handicapped, adult men living in group home settings. Those who knew him best know that he did things his way and lived a full life with a heart of gold. He enjoyed watching professional boxing at the Akron Armory and on television over the years because he was an amateur Golden Gloves boxer as a young man.

Richard is also survived his brothers: Wyatt (Ruth), Lyle (Elouise), and Robert Dale (Kay) all of Barberton, Ohio; and Keith (Val, deceased) of Florida. He was preceded in death by his only sister, Gloria (Jim) from Ohio. Richard was Uncle and Great Uncle to several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He is also survived by his wife’s sisters: Mary Jane and Helen of Akron, Ohio and their families.

On Saturday, November 13, graveside services with full military honors will be held at Mountain View Memorial Gardens located at 7900 East Main Street, Mesa, Arizona (480) 832-2850.

Cards (no flowers, please) may be sent to Melchers Mortuary attn: Patterson Family, 43 S Stapley Dr, Mesa, AZ 85204.

arrangements under the direction of Melcher Mortuary Chapel of the Roses, Mesa, AZ.