George Paul Patterson, age 81, of Frederica, Delaware, formerly of Newark, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Evergreen Post Acute Care Center in Smyrna, DE. He was the son of the late George F. Patterson and Lillian L. “Sis” Cloud Patterson of Wilmington.
George attended Christ Our King Elementary School in Wilmington, where he excelled in CYO athletics—especially football. He later graduated from Salesianum High School, Class of 1962.
He was employed at the General Motors Boxwood Road plant, where he worked as an assembler in the trim department before becoming a union representative. George retired after 30 years of dedicated service. He also worked part-time at Slicer’s Sporting Goods in Marshallton.
An avid outdoorsman, George loved hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed rabbit hunting, trout fishing in White Clay, and bass fishing anywhere in Delaware. His pride and joy were his hunting beagles, Freckles and Sally, leading the pack. Later, he became a sports card enthusiast, buying, selling, and trading cards. He loved watching sports on TV and was a lifelong fan of the Phillies, Flyers, and Eagles. His absolute favorite, however, was the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
George was a devoted husband and father who cherished spending time with his family. He loved camping at Lehigh Gorge Campground and fondly remembered the family’s unforgettable motorhome trip to Yellowstone and the Canadian Rockies. He managed many of his son Mike’s baseball teams—from Brookside Bambino to Newark Babe Ruth, including the 16–18 league—and even found time to raise chickens.
In addition to his parents, George was predeceased by his brothers, John (Jackie) and Joe, and his sister, Mary A. Ricci.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Joann E. Patterson (Kania) of Frederica; his daughter, Kelly Hough, and her husband, Mark Sr.; his son, Michael Patterson, and his wife, Renee; and his beloved grandchildren, Mark Jr. and Alexsandra Hough. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. George will be deeply missed by Sophie, his Bernedoodle, and the family’s six cats.
A visitation will be held on Monday October 20, 2025 at Holy Family Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE 19713, from 10:00–11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808.
Flowers are welcome. In honor of George’s lifelong love of sports, the family kindly invites guests to wear their favorite team’s apparel to the funeral—it doesn’t have to be major league.
For online condolences please visit: mccreryandharra.com
