Paul Stuart Patterson of Bethel passed away on November 16, 2024, surrounded, as he would have wished, by his wife Mary and family.

Paul was born on January 7, 1938, in Bedford, Ohio, the third of four children to his parents, Charles M. Patterson and Pauline R. Patterson.

Paul lived a full and vibrant life, growing up in Ohio and earning All-State honors as a football player in high school. He was a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the 1960s, and later a hardworking and successful entrepreneur with varied businesses. His lifelong business dream was realized in 1985, when he and his wife Mary became the owners of Blue Jay Orchards in Bethel.

Paul’s real love and passion, however, was his family, and the many quiet sacrifices he and his wife Mary made for them greatly enriched the lives of their children and other family members. His legacy will live on in them forever. He was a wonderful example of the importance of family, and he will always be lovingly and thankfully remembered by his family for imparting those values.

Paul is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Dow Patterson, and their children Paul A. Patterson (wife Tricie), Mary Sayer (husband Mike), Steve Patterson (wife Marybeth), Margie Rodgers (husband Jim) and Beth Dingee (husband Todd). Paul is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

His parents predeceased him, as did his brothers Gordon and John, sister Martha, and daughter Jeanne LaPorta.

The family expresses its deepest gratitude to the kind and compassionate people at Regional Hospice of Danbury, whose care during Dad’s last several months allowed him to enjoy his remaining time at home and with his family.

A celebration of Paul’s life is being planned for a later date, with future details to follow once a specific date has been selected. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either Regional Hospice of Danbury or Shriners Children’s.

To light a candle or leave a condolence, please visit CornellMemorial.com.