Gilbert Kenneth Patterson

Gilbert Kenneth Patterson, 88, departed this world and entered into eternal peace on Saturday, April 20, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving family and is now reunited with his beloved wife, Jean Patterson (d. 2020).

Gilbert was born in Dudley, Pa on July 29, 1935, to the late Robert and Auwilda (Buckley) Patterson. As a young man, Gil found himself working in Ashtabula, Ohio when he visited a friend, Jack Putt and laid eyes on Jack’s sister, Jean. A romance ensued and when Gil enlisted in the United States Army, he asked Jean to wait for him. She said no. A wedding followed on September 22, 1958. Gilbert was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal and settled into civilian life, eventually becoming Vice President of Finance at Jackson Manufacturing Company in Steelton, PA which later became a part of Black and Decker. Gilbert retired after a stroke in 1986. Gil filled his time with anything and everything, most notably, he was an avid bowler, a cat lover, a loyalist of his sports teams (Steelers, PSU, Pirates), and a professional disturber of the peace. Gilbert loved to prank, pester and joke with everyone to make them smile and laugh. His family fondly remembers the way his eyes lit up when his attempts to irritate succeeded. As much as Gil dished it out, he could take it just as well; he loved repartee. His words may have been few, but he knew how to use them!

He leaves behind his two daughters, Lisa (Patterson) Wolf and husband Michael of Rockville, MD., and Elizabeth (Patterson) Thomas and husband. Christopher. Gilbert is also survived by two adoring granddaughters, Carissa Thomas (great grandson Holden Wilson), and Amelia (Thomas) Seiple and husband Dakota; and two devoted grandsons, Daniel Wolf, and David
Wolf.

Services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Wagner-Elfner and Burg Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc.,134 W. Broadway, Red Lion is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gilbert’s memory may be made to the Humane Society of Harrisburg, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111 or the Wounded Warriors Project at
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.

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