Robert F. Patton's Obituary
We regretfully announce the death of Robert Frederick Patton, age 97, on December 29, 2024. He was born in Hickory Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania on December 9, 1927, to the late Wylie Elder and Lena Gardner Patton. He was predeceased by his first wife of 57 years, Virginia Reehl, and his brothers, Willard Herman and Gaylord Eugene. He is survived by his wife Marlene Herman Forsythe and his children Thomas (Deborah) Patton, Barbara (Niels) Kiewiet de Jonge, Susan (Dan) Altman, and Laura (Christopher) Norton, 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, and special friends, the Forsythe and Purcell families.
During World War II, Bob attended the Specialized Training Program at Philadelphia Military Academy. He thereafter enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in the Medical Corps in El Paso, Texas from which he was discharged as a sergeant. Bob then graduated from Westminster College (1950) and Harvard Law School (1953), where he was a member of the Law Review. He practiced law for 30 years at the law firm of Buchanan Ingersoll, and served a term as its Managing Director, before becoming Chairman of Union National Bank. He was also a director of Armstrong World Industries for 20 years.
Bob was notably active in the western Pennsylvania charitable community, serving as, among other things, a founder and Chairman of Residential Resources, Inc., Chairman of Mental Health/Mental Retardation of Allegheny County, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Westminster College, Trustee of the McCune Foundation, and board member of Jewish Healthcare Foundation, several Presbyterian foundations, and the Pittsburgh Opera.
In addition, Bob was an active member and leader in Southminster Presbyterian Church, including singing in the choir for 70 years. He provided valuable advice to the church and to the Pittsburgh Presbytery. Bob loved to travel, visited five continents and all 50 States. He published his memoir "An Ordinary Life" for the benefit of his family and said that he won the lottery by being born in America.
Visitation will be on January 18, 2025, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Providence Point (Chartiers Room), Scott Township, with a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on January 19, 2025 at Southminster Presbyterian Church, Mt. Lebanon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Virginia Reehl Patton Memorial Scholarship at Westminster College, 319 S Market Street, New Wilmington, PA 16172 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.
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