Ronald Patterson Jr.

I am heartbroken to announce the death of my father, Ronald Patterson, Jr. He unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the young age of 58. Born in Lancaster, PA on January 21, 1965, he was the son of the late Ronald Sr. and Gwladys (Morris) Patterson. He was preceded in death by his twin sister, Karen Quinn. He is survived by his long- time companion Therese (Tess) Melhorn of Elizabethtown and his sister Sandra Patterson Lien, of Mount Joy. He leaves behind his children: Ronald Patterson III, husband of Kristen, of Elizabethtown; Zachary Patterson, husband of Mariana of Manassas, VA; Adele Patterson of Bainbridge; Brent Melhorn, husband of Cherie, of Mount Joy, Kirsti Onesemo and Steve Jones of Elizabethtown, and Jason Vera of Columbia. He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren: Tierani Melhorn, Kyla Patterson, Brielle Patterson, Sawyer Jones, Jordan Melhorn, Casey Jones, James Jones and Oslo Patterson. His nieces, nephews and other family members will sorely miss him as well. My dad’s greatest passion was his love of anything that had to do with the Outdoors. He often described himself as being born in the wrong era and wished he would have existed during the time of the Oregon Trail and Lewis and Clark Expeditions. He was a distinguished Falconer, an impressive Hunter, and a talented Fisherman, so I have no doubt that he would have succeeded during those harsh times in the unforgiving wilderness. His latest hobby was that of an Apiarist (Beekeeper), which he sadly was unable to see to completion however I am sure he would have been wonderful at that as well. He was a self-taught craftsman - skilled in every trade with the only limits to his potential being his will and determination. Ron wore his emotions on his sleeve so if you knew my Dad, you knew how hard- headed and stubborn he was at times, but he was also the first to offer you a deer steak from his freezer or a cold beer from the fridge. He was never one to pull punches, as his unfiltered opinions were coarse at best. However, behind his larger-than-life personality was a soul that simply longed to be with his family and have fellowship with his friends. We will all miss him dearly. Ron’s celebration of life will take place at 4111 Siegrist Road, Mount Joy, PA 17552, on October 8, 2023, at 2 P.M. His memorial service will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions/donations may be made to Pennsylvania Falconry and Hawk Trust (https://pafalconryandhawktrust.com).

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Ronald Patterson Jr.

September 21, 2023