Stephen Patterson

Stephen Patterson, 81, of Massillon, Ohio, passed away June 23, 2026. He was born on March 3, 1945 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to the late Edgar and Elizabeth (Sasso) Patterson.

Stephen was a long time resident of Massillon, Ohio, where he settled and raised his family. He worked and retired from K-Mart, and later worked at Lowe's. He was a member of First Baptist Church, where he attended services regularly. Stephen was very active, walking every morning and evening. He also enjoyed playing tennis, skiing, and spending time at Lake Erie. He was a member of a ski club, which allowed him to travel to different ski destinations. Stephen loved to travel, he visited all but 3 states in the U.S.. He was a Presidential history buff, and had many books on the United States Presidents.

In addition to his parents, Stephen is preceded in death by his brother, Edgar A. Patterson Jr. and sister-in-law Mitzi Patterson; brother, Neil Patterson; sister, Marcia Clark; and long-time partner, Joan Green.

He is survived by his children, Stephen Patterson II and Jaclyn (Vincent Colandrea) Patterson; sister, Sandra Cowing of Venice, Florida; sister-in-law, Carol Patterson; nieces, Karen (Kent) Kauffman and Kim (Greg) Patton; nephew, Randy Patterson; great-nephews, Evan and Ethan Patterson, and Reagan Kauffman; and former spouse, Jennifer Patterson.

A Celebration of Life lunch will be held at a later date (tentatively Saturday, September 12), with more information to follow

Stephen was a man of faith, who believed in the greater good of all people. He was a kind and gentle man, who everyone said always had a smile on his face.

To share a memory of Stephen or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.