Obituary
William Russell Patterson “Bill”
In the early afternoon on May 6, 2019 The world lost an exceptional man.
Born Thanksgiving Day in Philadelphia, PA, in 1930 to Thomas and Mary Patterson, both from Ireland. Bill is proceeded in death by his Parents, Brother Thomas, and Jim Anderson who came to live with the Patterson’s after the death of his mother. Bill and Jim were brothers in heart for life. Joined the Marines together and remained close until Jim Passed away May 8, last year. Also proceeded in death by Joan’s oldest son Rory O’Connor age 21. And her son Greg and Nancy’s infant twin daughters, Caitlyn age, 2 mos. And Callie. 11 hrs.
Bill is survived by his wife Joan O’Connor living in Punta Gorda FL at this time, they met in 1981 on Long Beach Island, NJ. Another island they both, dearly loved. Eventually married at Residents Beach on Marco Island in 2004. Also survived by her children Bill raised with her. Gregory and his wife Nancy O’Connor, their three boys Kyle, Dylan and Ryan. Traci Cacioppo, her husband Peter, their two daughters, Tessa and Kiera, Dr. Kelly Anne, her husband Brian Sweeney, their daughters Michaela and Anna, He is also survived by his two children from a previous marriage. Bill Patterson Jr. and wife Kristi, his daughter Jean Morton and her two children, Mariel and Marina.
There will be a Funeral Mass at St. Vincent Pallotti Chapel 901 Hopkins Rd., Haddon Township, N. J. 08033. June 22, 2019, 10:00 am. Bill has been cremated and immediately following Mass will be buried, with military honors at New St. Mary’s Cemetery, 515 W. Browning Rd., Bellmawr, NJ 08031. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Bills life 12:30 PM at the Kove restaurant, 20 W. Atlantic Ave., Audubon, NJ 08106.
On Marco Island, August 17. 2019 at 3:00 PM {The time may change, will keep you posted.} Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Bill’s life Residents Beach, 130 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island FL.
This is the story of William Russell Patterson, a loving, honest, hardworking man, who was loved by many, will be missed immensely and will always be cherished. Often, Bill could be found reading, mostly American History. A lover of all things outdoors, as did Joan, they had a passion for Sailing, Skiing, camping in a tent, Fishing and watching sunsets together. He was an amazing husband, a loving father to Joan’s four children. He had an enormous impact on their lives. He could hug like no one else and there were enough to go around. He could fix almost anything but couldn’t cook or fix cars. In recent years, lucky for him, he had his good friend and neighbor to do that for him. Bills forte was washing dishes, the laundry, steaming floors and “just looking, cute,” as Joan would say.
At age 17 he enlisted in the Marines with Jimmy Anderson. Bill celebrated his 21st Birthday in Korea during the battle at Chosin Reservoir that was fought between Nov. 26 and Dec. 13, 1950 in temperatures -36 F. During the battle he was wounded and awarded the purple heart. While still in the hospital, he was asked if he’d consider duty on a submarine. He accepted, and when well enough, was transferred to Hawaii where he began his Scuba training. Reconnaissance would be his mission after being dropped off by a submarine at night to swim ashore. “Getting back”, he said, “was not so easy at times.” In addition, he trained local militia, reconnaissance skills.
After his discharge Bill followed in his father’s footsteps as a carpenter. While married with two children, working full time he took advantage of the GI bill. Eventually earned his BS, degree in Civil Engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. Throughout his career Bill worked extensively in the Mid-Atlantic states as project manager on large projects. Bill was well known in Atlantic City for his expertise in estimating. He served as Contracts Administrator for many expansion projects at Harrah’s Marina Casino Resort, The Claridge Casino on the boardwalk in Atlantic City and as a Project Manager for Perini Corp. of MA. No matter his accomplishments, or lofty position he held, Bill was humble with a diminished demeanor of his own importance.
He took his fashion cues from no one, hated ties and dressing up. Once his secretary installed, a small dead tree, in his office. On it hung an assortment of ties for use when meeting important clients, since it was mandatory. So, guess what! Bill acquiesced and wore ties when required. Those that knew him, know how difficult that was for him. After retiring, the signature every day look was tee shirt, shorts and never socks, summer or winter. Bill retired after about 6 years with Whitesell Construction Co., Mt. Laurel NJ. A friend, knowing Bill was thinking of retiring suggested he look at a little island just off Florida’s SW coast, called Marco Island.
A longtime competitor and friend also knew Marco and spoke of it favorably also mentioned it “needed “him. Bill and Joan checked out Marco and bought a lot. This would prove to impact their lives for the next 24 years. Bill physically with help, built their home, complete with a beautiful dock. After settling into island life, The Marco Island Civic Association, MICA did “need” him. Offered the job, reviewing all architect plans for home construction on the Island and enforcing deed restrictions. He was exactly what they needed and more, bringing humor with him. One day, while working on a small structure at the South Beach and having a very good tan, a lady walked up to him and asked, “do you speak English?” his reply, “some”. He and the lady had a good laugh with that.
Bill and Joan finally were married on Residence Beach, Marco. The wedding had a Hawaiian theme complete with traditional leis from Hawaii and a roasted whole pig. Bill was a man who never got sick. But ended up in the hospital on the day before the wedding. Luckily, Bill was able to leave the hospital for 4 hours to get married and then go back. During the ceremony, when they reached the “do you take this woman to be your wife,” his response was….” You Bet!”
Bill was a warier to the end… After a major fall in February 2018, that left him with some brain damage, a diminished ability to swallow or walk. Even with many hospitalizations and much therapy he still had his humor. One day while in PT, learning to negotiate steps again, finally got to the platform at the top. Someone said, “say something” So…he recited the Gettysburg Address in its entirety. As a patient, never complained or demanded anything. Bill had an endearing way even with his caregivers and was thought of by them with affection. After 22 years with MICA, Bill retired for the last time, December 31, 2015, still loving his job, “the girls” who made working a pleasure and all the friends he made while on Marco.
The day before Bill died a friend came to visit him. She very softly said to him “you were a Marine”. Then she said, “and what did you do as a Marine?” He said, “as little as possible”, then a little smile, in true Bill Patterson form to the end.
Thank you for the fun, the happy memories and most importantly, the love YOU have left in our hearts.
I am so saddened to learn about Bill's passing. A tear trickled down my cheek when reading this beautiful tribute to him. My prayers for you and your family.!
We hope to attend his ceremony on August 17th at Residents Beach! What a perfect place!