Obituary of David Ellis Patterson

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David Ellis Patterson, 71, passed away at his home with his loving wife by his side on Sunday July 9, after a lengthy illness.  He was born on December 3, 1945, the only child of the late Ellis and Ruth Howard Patterson.

Growing up, David worked with his father after school and during the summer, collecting, bailing and recycling cardboard.  They also owned parking lot sweepers and David continued that business after his father passed away in 1964, to pay for his continuing education at Gannon and Erie Business Center.  After receiving his degree in accounting, he worked at Erie Technological Products and Heyl's Pharmacy before becoming the Comptroller at New Motors for 37 years.  He continued working part time for the New family until April 2016 when he became ill. 

David was also preceded in death by his aunt, Martha Howard, who lived with the Patterson family, his first wife Carolyn Herrick Patterson, his in-laws Douglas Herrick, Donald and Marie Elliott.  David and Carolyn owned and operated the State Street Food Market from 1981 to 1990.  The whole family worked in the business, passing on their strong work ethic to their sons.

David is survived by his by his wife of 21 years, Sharon Lutz Patterson, his sons David Jeffrey, wife Karen, and Kevin Mark, fiancé Vanessa Donaldson of London, Ontario, Canada, granddaughter Ashley Smith, and mother-in-law JoAnn Herrick.  He is also survived by Sharon's children Christina Lutz and Heidi Lutz and grandchildren Angela and Corinna Meadows, Cody Conway, and Sam Keinath.

David was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where he served on the Finance Committee.  He served on the board of the Lutheran Home and was a member of several social clubs. He will be sorely missed, a gentleman to the end.

Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Wednesday from 5 – 8 PM and are invited to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 12:00 noon for the funeral service.  Inurnment will be private and held at the convenience of the family in Laurel Hill Cemetery. 

The family is grateful for the loving care given by the staff of Great Lakes Hospice, the loving support from Pastor Anita Bernhardt and our faith family at St. Paul's, as well as our dear friends and relatives.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to St Paul's Lutheran Church, 3108 Sterrettania Rd, Erie PA 16506; Parkinson Partners, PO Box 1057, Erie PA 16514; or Great Lakes Hospice Fund, 3092 French St, Erie PA 16507-9948.