Obituary of Carl Patterson

Carl S. Patterson, who along with his wife are the owners of Patterson’s and Back Bay Dancewear, lost his battle with cancer on Sunday evening at his home with his family by his side. The beloved husband of 42 years to Fern E. (Leeman), he was 67 years old.

 

Carl was born in Somerville. He was the son of the late Carl and Mary Patterson. He was raised and educated in Medford. He graduated from Medford High School in 1961. Carl was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving his country in the United States Marines where he achieved the rank of Corporal. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the M-14 Rifle marksman Badge. Carl was extremely patriotic and proud to be a Veteran and Marine. He continued his affiliation with the Marines as an active member of the Marine Corp League where he served as Past Commandant and Honor Guard. He felt it was his duty and honor to help fellow veterans and their families in whatever manner he could.

 

Carl married his high school sweet-heart Fern (Leeman) and they settled in Burlington where they became an active members of the community. They did so much together as a couple. They opened Patterson’s, an athletic and dance clothing and accessories store, in Burlington 35 years ago. They expanded their business to Patterson’s in Chelmsford and Back Bay Dancewear in Boston. They had a wonderful relationship with their customers. They were proud to have their two daughters work along with them in recent years. They also were active members of the Burlington Jaycees. They were proud to have been part of the establishing the holiday tradition of decorating the Burlington Common, tree lighting, and visits from Santa Claus. They loved spending time together in Gloucester and opening their home to their family and friends. Carl touched countless people of all ages over the years. He was a man of character and compassion. He reached out to Veterans, his employees, and those in need. Carl was a wonderful role model for his daughters. He was recently asked to speak at the Burlington Relay for Life, but his illness prevented him from making the event. He will be remembered by all those whose lives he touched.

 

Carl was the beloved husband of Fern E. (Leeman)Patterson. He was the loving father of Heather Garrity & her husband Scott of North Reading, Holly Kerrigan & her husband Michael of Woburn. He was the brother of the late Richard Patterson. He was the devoted grandfather of Kayla & Riley Garrity, Ashley, Brooke & Blake Kerrigan, He was the brother-in-law of Katie Patterson of Hull. Carl was also survived by many brother-in-law’s, sister-in-law’s, nieces, nephews & friends.

 

Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Thursday, June 3 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Carl’s name may be made to the Fisher House Boston, P. O. Box 230, South Walpole, MA 02071 www.fisherhouse.org