Stephen Patterson

Obituary of Stephen G. Patterson

On January 24, 2023, Stephen G. Patterson died peacefully at age 75.  Steve was born in Raleigh, North Carolina.  His family settled in Cranford, New Jersey where he lived for over fifty years.  Steve graduated from Cranford High School and attended Union College and Rutgers University.  He spent his final years in Point Pleasant, New Jersey.

 

Steve is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Anne Patterson. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of over fifty years, Liza Patterson.  He was the beloved father of daughter Kathleen Patterson; son Guy Patterson and his wife Jaclyn; and son Eric Patterson and his wife Colleen.  He was the adoring grandfather to his six grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as “Biffy”; Gabrielle Patterson, Ethan Patterson, Evan Patterson, Josephine Patterson, Jack Johnson, and Samantha Johnson.  

Steve's life had two great passions: his family and the Cranford Fire Department.  The pride of his life was being able to love and provide for his family.  Steve was dedicated to his family in every way; whether it was offering words of encouragement or modeling the work ethic for which he was famous.  Steve had a great sense of humor, appreciated a good one liner and was quick with a laugh with family and friends. Steve courageously fought lung and liver cancer for over six years and was a paragon of strength and grit for his family throughout the process. 

 

Steve was hired as a firefighter with the Cranford Fire Department on April 1, 1973, after serving as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force.  During his career he served in the following roles: Fire Inspector, Lieutenant, and Captain.  Steve retired from the Cranford Fire Department in September 2005.  Steve received numerous commendations and awards throughout his career including the Cranford Fire Department Medal of Honor and the FMBA Valor Award. Following his retirement, Steve continued to serve the Township of Cranford in the Building Department as a Fire Sub-Code Official and Fire Inspector until the Spring of 2022.  During Steve’s almost 50-year career with the Township of Cranford, he was a leader, friend, and mentor to those with whom he served.  During his illness, Steve continued to work with the Township of Cranford to serve others for as long as his health allowed.

 

Steve will be remembered for his incredible dedication, selflessness, resilience, and enduring love of family and friends.  Steve will be missed, but the lessons he taught his family, friends, and former colleagues in the Cranford Fire Department will last forever.  Steve was the “best of the best” and we are all better for having known and loved him.

 

The Patterson Family wishes to convey their gratitude for the love and support they have received in their time of loss. 

 

Services for Steve will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 119 Forest Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016 at 11:00 AM on February 3, 2023.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Steve to the Point Boro First Aid Squad 35.  https://squad35.org/donate/

 

Tributes and condolences are welcome at www.pableevertzfuneralhome.com 

 

 

Friday
3
February

Service

11:00 am
Friday, February 3, 2023
Trinity Episcopal Church
119 Forest Avenue
Cranford, New Jersey, United States
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