John R. Patton
John R. Patton, 96, of Danbury, husband of Jessie May (Edwards) Patton, died on Monday, December 4, 2017.
A Danbury native, Mr. Patton was born on April 16, 1921, a son of David Robert and Bernice (Swentzel) Patton. He attended Danbury schools and graduated from Henry Abbott Technical School as a machinist.
A World War II U.S. Navy veteran, Mr. Patton was an Aviation Machinist’s Mate (Instrument Mechanic) Petty Office 1st Class. He was a recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, American Area Medal, American Defense Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Medal with Five Stars for his involvement in the Philippine Liberation.
A retired local businessman, Mr. Patton established the former Patton’s Handy Hardware Store located on Padanaram Road at Clapboard Ridge Road as well as being associated with his wife in the operation of the former Sugar Shack.
A lifelong Danbury resident, Mr. Patton was a charter member of the King Street Volunteer Fire Dept., a life member of the Joseph A. Treadwell Post #60 American Legion, Union Lodge #40 AF & AM Masonic Lodge and the King Street United Church of Christ.
He enjoyed the sport of hunting however his family was his first and foremost reason for being.
In addition to his wife Jessie, Mr. Patton is survived by two sons, John Patton Jr. and his wife Joan of Oxford, CT and Michael Patton of Danbury and his companion, Catherine Troriano; three daughters, Kathleen Pawson and her husband Donald of Daytona Beach, FL, Lois “Becky” McKee and her husband David and Linda Laboy and her husband Ramon all of Danbury; a daughter-in-law, Deborah (Iovino) Patton of Danbury; two sisters, Isabelle “Ibby” Benicewicz of Danbury and Ralphine McGrann of Folcroft, PA; 20 grandchildren,20 great grandchildren , 5 great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will take place on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 10 am in the King St. United Church of Christ, (corner of King and South King streets) Danbury with the Rev. Paul Bryant-Smith officiating.
Interment will take place in the churchyard cemetery following the service with military honors.
The family will receive friends in the Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9-11 Granville Ave., Danbury on Friday, December 8, 2017 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Contributions in Mr. Patton’s memory may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children-Springfield, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.