George W. Patterson – Rostraver Township
George W. Patterson, 86, of Rostraver Township, died Sunday, June 13, 2021. Born in Rostraver Township on Oct. 30, 1934, he was the son of the late John W. and Melissa G. Zundel Patterson. George was a graduate of Rostraver High School, where he was active in the Future Farmers of America and became a farmer. George was very dedicated to his farm, Rich Grove Farm. He was a hard-working dairy farmer, an icon in the farming community and was one of the last true farmers. He knew more about his machinery and was able to fix anything and even helped other farmers with their machinery repairs. For many years, he did custom combining for numerous farmers in the area and participated in horse shows. He loved ice cream and he and Lonnie made many, many visits to Dairy Queen! George was a member of the National Farmers Organization, the PA Farmers Association and the Guernsey Farmers Association. On March 17, 1983, he was awarded Farmer of the Year at the Farmers’ Night, commending him for his contributions to agriculture and his services to the community. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife, Linda C. “Lonnie” DiVirgilio Patterson; daughters, Megan (Scott) Guiler of Monessen and Rebekah Patterson (Dave Muscia) of Rostraver; sisters, Lenore Kennedy of Hiram, Ohio, and Ruth Ann (Joe) Zippay of Charleroi; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Franklin Patterson; sister-in-law, Norma Patterson; and brother-in-law, Merle Kennedy. Friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, at JAMES C. STUMP FUNERAL HOME INC., 580 Circle Drive, Rostraver Township, 724-929-7934, www.jamesstumpfuneralhome.com, where a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday with Pastor Ken Sommerfeldt officiating. George will be accorded military honors at the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Olive Branch Cemetery, 300 State Route 981, Rostraver Township, PA 15012 or to the National FFA Foundation, 6060 FFA Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278, www.ffa.org/donate.
