William Morrow Patterson, Jr.

William Morrow Patterson, Jr., age 93, of Shadyside, passed away on March 25th, 2023. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1929 to Josephine Barnett Patterson and William Morrow Patterson, Sr. Bill was a proud graduate of Shady Side Academy and Bowdoin College. While at Shady Side, Bill was elected captain of both the football and track teams. Ever the entertainer, he was also a popular contributor to the school’s theater program. Bill joined the United States Marine Corps in 1950 and served as a Captain in the Korean War. An eternal optimist and natural born entrepreneur, Bill owned and operated Patterson Industrial Supply Company for the majority of his career followed by Smith Machine Company in his later years. He was beloved by the people who worked alongside him as evidenced by the ads they published year after year, celebrating Bill’s leadership on National Boss’s Day. Bill treated everyone with whom he interacted with humor, care, patience, and respect. He held an unconditional positive regard for all and formed mutually supportive connections and communities with ease. Bill was a fair and principled person who believed the best salesperson is the best listener. He often stated, “if you are not going to do it right, don’t do it at all”. He stood up to injustice. The enduring friendships Bill enjoyed throughout his lifetime enhanced the lives of too many people to count. He shared compliments and smiles regularly, often changing the trajectory of someone’s day with a validating comment or expression of authentic praise. His sense of humor was unparalleled as was his ability to emcee weddings, parties, and most notably, The Pittsburgh Golf Club’s Annual Auction. His playful toasting and roasting brought unbridled laughter and joy to all in attendance. He loved an audience and made his family and friends at Longwood belly laugh until the week before he died. While Bill enjoyed cars, books, racquet sports, time spent in Hyannis Port, and ice cream, his greatest passion in life was spending time with family. He was a devoted husband and father and showered those he loved with affection, adoration, and an abundance of all out fun. Impromptu dance parties were a frequent occurrence in the Patterson house. Bill was steadfast in the admirable way he cared for Marilyn throughout her nine year battle with brain cancer. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his family. A man of true character and faith, Bill was slow to anger and quick to forgive. He lived his life honoring God and his commitment to Shadyside Presbyterian Church, where he volunteered his time as an usher, deacon, elder, and committee participant. Bill is survived and sorely missed by his children; Elizabeth Patterson (Gary,) Josephine Poole Patterson (Ben,) William M. Patterson III (Rena,) Juli Sample, and his brother, David Hunter Patterson (Pam.) Bill was beyond proud of his many grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife of 40 years, Marilyn C. Patterson and by his parents and his sister, Elizabeth Barnett Patterson. Friends will be received at JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS, INC., 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street on Wednesday, April 5th from 4-7 p.m. (www.freyvogelfuneralhome. com). A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 6th in the main sanctuary of Shadyside Presbyterian Church at 1 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers and in recognition of Lifestyle Engagement Specialist Jan Klein, memorial contributions can be made to: Presbyterian Senior Care Foundation Attention:  Longwood Woodside Activity Fund 1215 Hulton Road Oakmont, PA 15139

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