In Loving Memory of John (Jack) L. Patterson

John (Jack) L. Patterson, 88, of Marco Island, Florida, died May 14, 2023.  Born in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania, on August 4, 1934, Jack was the son of the late Mary Jane Cook and John Clark Patterson. 

Jack was a graduate of McKeesport High School, Class of 1952. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Washington and Jefferson College and pursued graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh.

 Jack began his career with Bell Atlantic in 1956. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1956-57 as a second lieutenant, he became active in the reserves until 1963, when he retired as Captain.

Jack’s career at Bell Atlantic took his family to Philadelphia headquarters for several years, but most of his assignments were in McKeesport and Pittsburgh. At the time of his retirement in 1991, he was Director of Marketing-Large Business for the Western Region. He spent several years as Vice President for Pittsburgh International Teleport and served as a consultant to several organizations and businesses.

Jack’s civic involvement has been significant and was recognized in his induction into the McKeesport High School Hall of Fame in 1991. He served as Mayor of White Oak, Pennsylvania, from 1970-1982. Other municipal activities include White Oak Councilman, Vice Chairman White Oak Water Authority, and Charter member White Oak Rescue. 

Jack and his late wife Pat made Marco Island their full-time home in 2001. They joined St Mark’s Episcopal Church which became his second home. He served as Senior Warden, Usher, and Altar server.  

Jack continued his civic involvements on the Island, to include Morning Rotary, Co-chaired drive for Marco to become a City, and to keep local police. He served on the Board of Parks and Recreation, Code Enforcement Board, Planning Committee, Police Foundation, Fire and Rescue Foundation, and American Legion. Jack also served on the Naples Community Hospital Board. Culmination of Jack’s efforts took place in December of 2014 when he was awarded “Lifetime Achievement” by the Marco Island City Chamber.

Jack and his late wife Pat had 55 years of happy marriage and were blessed with four children, the late Patricia Lynn, Beth Anne (Eugene) Szymborski of Birmingham, Alabama, Amy Jane (David) Hayes of Richmond, Texas, and William John (Libby) Patterson of Victor, New York, and six grandchildren, Lauren Meyer, Jonathan Wen, Ashten Ruck, Erin Hayes, Courtney Freudenberg, Will Patterson, and three great-grandchildren, Hazel, Ella, and Jack. Other family members include brother Tom Patterson and his late wife Carol and their children Sue (Juan) and Tommy (Jennie). 

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023, at 9:00 AM at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1101 N. Collier Blvd. In honor of Jack’s patriotism, the family encourages you to wear RED, WHITE, AND BLUE. The service will be live-streamed on St. Mark’s Facebook page.

Donations in his memory may be made to the St. Mark’s Living Water Society Endowment Fund mail to P.O. Box 339 Marco Island, FL  34146, or charity of choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.fullernaples.com.