George D. Patterson of Wallkill, lost his fight with esophageal cancer Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at his home in Wallkill beside his loving family at the age of 75.
The son of the late Darius “Red” Patterson and Hazel Morgan Patterson, he was born March 25, 1946 in Port Jervis, NY.
George started his career as a Locomotive fireman on Susquehanna 2nd subdivision. He later qualified for the position of Locomotive Engineer for the Erie Lackawanna Railway Company. He was then later employed by Conrail Railroad. He drove freight trains along the Eastern Coast. George leaves behind a community he was deeply invested in and had a great impact on. He was a 25 year member of the Wallkill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, where he started the George Patterson 10 mile walk and raised money over many years for the WVAC. As a social member George was the cook for many occasions and functions at the corp. George was a jolly good old fellow who even popped up dressed as Santa handing out gifts to the children at the annual Christmas Dinner for the corps. He also was a loving and dedicated member for over 25 years at the Wallkill Rod & Gun Club. From cooking for 100 plus members at meetings, to bringing over snacks for his friends (which he referred to as Knights of the Round Table) on a Friday night, where his famous saying “love you man” originated. George loved his buddies who shared the same love of hunting and fishing as he did. The great outdoors were his second home. Traveling, hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle and driving his corvette with his soul mate Rosanne were some of the things George enjoyed in life. George was an excellent and caring father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a pillar in the community that impacted many lives through his stories, acts of kindness and delicious food he cooked. “God bless you my son” and “love you man” were his two signature phrases he always used and will be remembered for.
Survivors include his partner and soul mate of 33 years Roseanne Stockhofer, who he loved very much. He leaves behind his children, Tammy Ceretta (Lou), George Jr Patterson (Sherri), Christy Patterson (Donnelly) and Annette Stockhofer. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Jessica, Collin, Matthew, Logan, Camryn, Ayden, Ashley, Brandon, Tyler (Katy)and Christopher; his great grandchildren Liam and Mason; his sister, Helen Mae Brundage and his beloved cat Bella. George also leaves behind many close friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, his two sisters, Grace, J. Clawson and Marjorie Patterson and his grandson George Darius Patterson III.
George expressed that his life be celebrated, not mourned. Therefore, a Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 11 AM at Wallkill Reformed Church, Bridge St. Wallkill,
Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan, 800 Stony Brook Ct., Newburgh, NY 12550 and Wallkill Volunteer Ambulance Corp PO Box 221 Wallkill, NY 12589.
Arrangements were made by Wallkill Funeral Home.