Belmont, NY - James W. Patterson, 91, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville following a long illness. He was born January 14, 1922 in Ithaca, the son of Samuel and Minnie (Bristow) Patterson. On June 22, 1946 in North Tonawanda he married Louise E. Grawe who predeceased him on March 25, 2011.
James was raised in Batavia and was a graduate of Batavia High School. He graduated from Brockport State Teachers College in 1947 with a bachelor's degree in education. He received a master's degree in education from the University of Buffalo in 1949. He was a veteran of WW II serving in France with the U.S. Army in the 66th Infantry, Company K., 263rd Regiment from 1944 to 1945. He obtained the rank of sergeant and received the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Medal. He was employed as a Biology and Earth Science Teacher at Belmont Central School from 1948 to 1977. He was a member of the Herbert Delong Post 808 American Legion. He was also an avid gardener and a Yankees fan.
Surviving are three children, Marie Patterson of Belmont, William (Leslie) Patterson of Casanova, VA and Sue (Greg) Martocello of Chili, six grandchildren, Jeremy (Jill) Lambert of Camden, Jason Lambert of Belmont, Michelle (Scott) Stockton of Cheektowaga, Andrea (Nathan) Viar of Culpeper, VA, Adam Martocello and Kara Martocello of Chili, six great grandchildren, Alyssa, Brayden, Andrew, Kaylie, Silas and Sophia as well as several nieces & nephews.
A private memorial service with his grandson-in-law, Rev. Scott Stockton presiding will be held at the convenience of the family and there will be no prior visitation. Interment, with military honors will be in Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont. Memorial donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Greater Buffalo Chapter # 1, P. O. Box 308, Buffalo, NY 14207. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.