Gary T. Patterson

Gary was born December 9, 1947, to Thomas J. Patterson and Marjorie L. (nee Wilcox) Patterson in Collins, NY. The family moved when he was five years old to Randolph, NY. He spent most of his life in Randolph before moving to Waynesville, OH, to be near his daughter, Stacey Almeter. Gary developed a keen interest in aviation after taking his first airplane ride at Randolph Airport as a child. As a result, he made his first solo flight (as early as the Federal Aviation Administration regulations allowed) on his 16 birthday, before school started that day.

Aviation continued to dominate his young adult life as he became certified as a Commercial Pilot with a Multi-Engine Aircraft rating. He was also rated as an Instrument Pilot and a Certified Flight Instructor. He flew as a Corporate, Charter, and Flight Instructor pilot for several years. In 1969, Gary made a career move and started working as a deputy for the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office. After fifteen years as a Patrol Deputy and Technical Sergeant, he assumed a supervisory role with the Communications Division. He supervised a transition to a new Countywide Emergency Services Dispatch Center, implementing the new data processing and records system and the Cattaraugus Countywide Enhanced 911 system. He was the 911 dispatch center’s supervisor and the Cattaraugus County 911 Coordinator until his retirement in 2003. He worked 34 years for the sheriff’s office and county before retiring as Captain.

In 1970, he met and married his life partner and best friend, Carol L. (nee King) Patterson.

Together, they raised five children and have 19 grandchildren. After retirement, Gary and his wife worked many years as Christian volunteers with a group known as “SOWER’S.” In addition, they worked on Christian volunteer service projects throughout North America.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; his four daughters, Julie J. (Scott) Walker of McDonough, GA, Tina L. Patterson of Randolph, NY, Crystal Y. (Robert) Keicher of Bethel Park, PA, and Stacey M. (Sam) Almeter of Waynesville, OH; one son, Scott T. (Brooke) Patterson of Randolph, NY; 19 grandchildren; and one brother, Craig J. (Debra) Patterson of Jekyll Island, GA.

Gary requested no services. Private interment will be later at the convenience of the family.

Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, always remember him with a smile and never a frown. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.