September 14, 1926 – August 5, 2020
Passed away on August 5, 2020 at the age of 93. Loving husband of Nitsa Patterson (nee Sarantopoulos), devoted father of Dr. Andrew (Dr. Maria) Patterson, Theodore (Kathleen) Patterson, James (Kathy) Patterson. Proud Papou of Sam A. and Katina Patterson, Sam T. and Demi Patterson, Sam J. and Dean Patterson. Brother of Kosta (Lemonia) Panagopoulos, Katerina (Panagiotis) Moulogianis, Hariklia (Eleutherios) Alexaki. Also loved by nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends in both the United States and Greece.
Sam was born in Dimitra Arcadia, Greece to Andrew and Dimitra Panagopoulos, and was the oldest of four children. His generation lived through some very challenging times, specifically the German Occupation and Greek Civil War, where he served in the Greek Army.
Sam immigrated to the United States in 1951. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the United States Army and served two years. He returned to Greece, met and married the love of his life, Nitsa. The newlyweds returned to America, where they enjoyed 60 years of marriage.
Sam worked hard and appreciated all the opportunities Milwaukee had to offer. He started working in the restaurant business and later became the proud owner of Patterson’s Family Restaurant in the Southridge Mall.
Sam was also a lifelong member of the Pan Messinian Federation and the Order of AHEPA. He was also a member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church for over 68 years. Sam was a soft-spoken man, who worked hard and loved without condition, but his true success was watching his family follow in his footsteps.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in memory of Sam Patterson:
In Florida - Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 409 Old Coachman Rd, Clearwater, Florida 33756
In Wisconsin - Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2160 N. Wauwatosa Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53213.
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