John Robert Patterson, Jr.

Greenwich - John Robert Patterson, Jr., age 75, of Greenwich, passed away peacefully at Saratoga Hospital on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. He was a native of Peekskill, NY. He was preceded in death by his father, John Robert Patterson, Sr., and his mother, Alcha Cottrell Patterson. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Sally Patterson, his children, Ashley Patterson (Josh) and Bart Patterson (Jehan), his grandchildren Madelyn and Isabelle Geller, and Aleena and Laila Patterson, and his first cousins Robert Patterson (Beverlee), Abby Patterson, and Sandy Peters.

               John graduated from St. Peters School in Peekskill in 1968, where he won a theology prize, played on an undefeated football team, and was a member of the varsity shooting rifle team. He attended Knox College, where he played right tackle, as well as SUNY-Buffalo. He spent his junior year abroad at Oxford University in England. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from SUNY Buffalo in 1972, and his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in 1975. He was also a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

               John was admitted to practice law in New York State in 1976. He became Village Attorney for Hoosick Falls in 1980 and remained in service for thirty-seven years. In 1986 he began working for the New York State Department of Corrections, and spent eleven years as its Executive Deputy Commissioner, retiring in 2007. Following his retirement from Corrections, Mr. Patterson served as the Washington County Republican Committee Chairman until 2014.

John was a very active member of the Masonic fraternity, raised in the Cambridge Valley Lodge in 1985. He was also a member of the Shriners, the Royal Arch Masons, the Scottish Rite and the Order of the Eastern Star among others. He achieved the honor of becoming a 33rd degree freemason in 2017.  Members will remember his generous spirit, always willing to lend a hand or an ear. He has also been a member of the St. Andrew’s Society and the Fort Orange Club in Albany, NY, since 1979.  

               When he wasn’t assisting clients or attending Masonic events, you could find Mr. Patterson birdwatching, reading, explaining why International Harvester made the best tractors, enjoying an ice cream cone, or sharing a laugh with a good friend. His wife and children will remember his love of history and agriculture, his appreciation for delicious things, his excellent sense of humor, and his kind and wonderful heart.

               Calling hours will be held at Ackley, Ross & Gariepy Funeral Home, 73 West Main St., Cambridge, NY, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 from 4-7pm. Services with be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 32 East Broadway, in Salem, NY, on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 11am. Interment will follow at Woodlands Cemetery in Cambridge, NY. Flowers can be sent to Ackley, Ross & Gariepy and donations can be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital of Boston at 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, or online at shrinerschildrens.org. To share a memory of John, please visit gariepyfuneralhomes.com.

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