Floyd Patterson

Floyd Patterson

Floyd Patterson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 11, 2006.
NEW PALTZ, N.Y. (AP) – Floyd Patterson, who came back from an embarrassing loss to become the first boxer to regain the heavyweight title, died Thursday. He was 71.

Patterson died at his home, having suffered from Alzheimer's disease for about eight years, according to nephew Sherman Patterson. Patterson also had prostate cancer.

Patterson's career was marked by historic highs and humiliating lows.

He emerged from a troubled childhood in Brooklyn to win the Olympic middleweight championship in 1952.

In 1956, the undersized heavyweight became at age 21 the youngest man to win the title with a fifth-round knockout of Archie Moore.

But three years later, Patterson was knocked down seven times in the third round in losing the title to Ingemar Johansson at the Polo Grounds in New York City.

Patterson returned with a vengeance at the same site in 1960, knocking out Johansson with a tremendous left hook to retake the title.

"They said I was the fighter who got knocked down the most, but I also got up the most," Patterson said later.


Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press

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129 Entries

FLOYD PATTERSON II

December 22, 2024

Miss you Dad

William Burch

March 10, 2019

Sorry champ but on Earth you were still a champ went to school with your brother Alvin rest in peace my brother

March 3, 2018

YOU WERE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD WHEN I WAS JUST A LITTLE BOY IN THE 1950'S. YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED MOST FOR YOUR DIGNITY AND THE WAY YOU CARRIED YOURSELF; ALSO, YOUR GENTLE WAY, AND SOFT SPOKEN CHARACTER. A TRUE CHAMPION FOR WHICH ALL OF AMERICA COULD BE PROUD.

REV. PASTOR O. MICHAEL HUGHES

Harry Simpson

May 11, 2016

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Gerald F. Merna

December 30, 2015

Pictures of Floyd Patterson visiting the Troops in Vietnam in 1967 can be seen here on Page 9:
http://www.stagnesalumni.org/StoriesGenHochmuth.shtml

Willie Peerlings

December 29, 2015

I will mis you're way of boxing. I'm a great fan of boxing and i really loved watching your fights. Kind regards from Willie Peerlings The Netherlands, I heaven there is a special place for great people, you're one of them.

Darryl Scott

April 18, 2015

A great Hero of mine. He and Sandra were great friends of our family. She and my late mother Dorothy Scott Akins, were best friends. Sandra babysat me and my siblings, Valerie and Billy. Floyd and Sandra took me shopping once.I entered the ministry in 1977, moving to Oklahoma. Later read where Floyd was a lay clergy adminstering sacrament in nursing homes. I wished I had acted to contact him, butfeared he wouldn't remered ne. But I will never forget my HERO.Reat In Peace, My Friend. Darryl Scott, (formerly of Bed-Stuy, NY)

Your Niece

December 17, 2014

R.I.P great uncle Floyd

Connor mcdermott

September 5, 2014

I met floyd in the summer of 1991 while on a summer exchange programme called project children, from Ireland. The family i was staying with took me to a local fair in upstate new york where floyd was hosting a punching game, i threw a few punches and had a chat to him, he then called us up the next day and invited me to his home and gym where he trained his fighters, he even trained me a little on the use of the speed bag and heavy bag. I remember then going to another local gym with him and watching the heavyweight guys hitting the pads, he explained quietly that one of the guys was punching wrong by not using dipping his shoulders, to which then the 11 year old me shouted out "your doing it wrong"! which resulted in floyd covering my mouth and shepherding me away. :) We kept in touch for a few years after that as we had become good friends in a short time, but life took us in very different directions. And to my deepest regret we never met again.

Miss you floyd you a real human being.!

Your friend connor

Seneca

February 8, 2014

a wonderful dad

DON FOSTER

January 29, 2012

I HAD THE GREAT PLEASURE OF BEING IN FLOYD PATTERSON'S HOME MANY YEARS AGO IN MT VERNON NEW YORK .. HE TREATED ME VERY KINDLY EVEN THOUGH I WAS NOT INVITED AND WE TALKED FOR A FEW HOURS ... I ALWAYS LIKED THIS MAN AND I TOOK THE CHANCE TO DRIVE TO HIS HOME TO INTERVIEW HIM FOR A RADIO SHOW .. HE WAS VERY KIND TO ME AND I WILL NEVER FORGET HIS KINDNESS WHILE AT HIS HOME.. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.
DON FOSTER

DON FOSTER

January 29, 2012

I HAD THE GREAT PLEASURE OF BEING IN FLOYD PATTERSON'S HOME MANY YEARS AGO IN UPSTATE NEW YORK .. HE TREATED ME VERY KINDLY EVEN THOUGH I WAS NOT INVITED AND WE TALKED FOR A FEW HOURS ... I ALWAYS LIKED THIS MAN AND I TOOK THE CHANCE TO DRIVE TO HIS HOME TO INTERVIEW HIM FOR A RADIO SHOW .. HE WAS VERY KIND TO ME AND I WILL NEVER FORGET HIS KINDNESS WHILE AT HIS HOME.. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.
DON FOSTER

Nick Gamvas

April 7, 2011

A TRUE BOXING CHAMP!
MEMORY ETERNAL!

Ken Matthews

November 23, 2010

In the early 1990's I attended Fayetteville State University in NC and met a shy, unassuming older black man. On many occassions I had the pleasure of having stimulating conversations with Floyd. It wasn't until years later that I realized who I had met and befriended. Floyd was a very nice man and one who didn't let his success or notariety go to his head. I only wish that I had gotten to know him better. Heaven is undoubtedly rejoicing and the world bereaved.

Bill Lockhart

January 19, 2009

May God bless Floyd Patterson & family. The biggest thing wrong with boxing today is we no longer have him to cheer for. He was a guy you could really identify with. You couldn't help be for him. A real classy, humble, human being. I had the great fortune to spend a day with him back on my birthday in 1979. I wish we could have been great friends.

Sintrel Sadler-Simmons

June 13, 2006

Floyd, I sorry I never got a chance to know you as a relative and friend. However, I know you are in a better place and have many new friends with our lord, Jesus Christ.



Your Cousin, June 13,, 2006

George Barden

June 12, 2006

The greatest fight in anyone's life is the fight to be free! Floyd is truly free now! Live on my brother in the Lord!

June 9, 2006

1302 wembley Drive

Upper Marlboro, Maryland 2007

I can't email, so please except my Sorrow if you get this.

thanks, Mrs. Powell

Florenda Powell

June 9, 2006

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Florenda Powell

June 9, 2006

To the floyd Patterson family: I give my deepest Sorrow to the loss of Mr. Patterson our hero. I ask that the Lord hear all of our prayers today, tomorrow and always, and to know his wings are giving for his inteligents of Success and Love. I am sorry that I did not hear about his dealth until late, but I do no exactly who he is. I've always knew from growing up that Mr. Patterson and wife are apart of my life and that one day I will search for my ancestors. Not to scare you, but Mr. Patterson is my grandfather first cousin, his name is Richard Sadler, born in Waco or Shelby NC. according to my parents, uncle and aunts. My aunt whose 86 is Catherine O'neil (Sadler) born in Shelby NC and myself. I keep you close in my heart and think about you always. I was born in Shelby NC, and would like very much to meet your children and you. I have a picture of grandfather Richard and Floyd from the computer, they look so much alike. I would like to send a card and picture of grandfather. our 44th family reunion has extending from grandfather and probably Mr. Patterson and continuing this July 14,15,16. He past away in 1994 a year after my mother and my dad past also in 1990, and a older and only brother in 2006 of January from diabetic. My name is Florenda Powell (SAdler). I know this is not the time or place and I won't say to much, but once again, I give my deepest Sorrow. I can be reached on 202-708-3976 ext.121 work. Thanks fortaking the time out in reviewing this letter.Mr. Powell

jhon thorton

May 31, 2006

Floyd you are awsome and i am your number 1 fan

Shareef Bacchus

May 22, 2006

You epitomized what the word "champion" meant. You were the hero of my youth.

Brian Zelley

May 21, 2006

For those of us that were young and carefree in the Fifties and Sixties we had our share of stars Floyd Patterson

was and is a "bright shining star" and a true legend of boxing. Thanks Floyd for all

that you contributed to the sport.



Beyond the sports world, Floyd participated in many areas of Community

and Country.



So, the loss of Floyd is such a shame.

Brian Zelley

May 21, 2006

For those of us that were young and carefree in the Fifties & Sixties, we had our share of stars & icons, and then there was Floyd.



For boxing fans, or for those involved in the

sport, we have our list of greats, we have

our selections of the best pound for pound,

and then there is Floyd.



We can look at his achievements in the ring and call Floyd a legend of boxing.



We can sample a few of his -

"touches of kindness" in community work

or other fields.



We can weigh & measure his truly fine character, and view the images of a truly nice and humble man.



We can gather up the many tributes,

measure them, weigh them, and only then

can we ring the opening bell to measure

the true greatness of Floyd Patterson.



Let's hope it will be the longest round.



Thanks Floyd for all that you have done.

You are a true example of the phrase:

Sometimes nice people do finish first.

Pam Casscles

May 20, 2006

The Patterson Family :

Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Floyd Patterson made a difference in the boxing world and will be remembered for his many kindnesses and his unique sportmanship. He helped train a very dear friend of mine, Rich Grego, who resided in New Paltz many years ago. You were important to him and in turn, you were important to all his friends and family. May the days ahead bring comfort and peace to each of you - Pam Casscles, Schn'dy, Ny

Richard Meyerhoff

May 20, 2006

Floyd was my alltime hero-a great champion with a fighting heart but an even better role model.

After Floyd knocked out Ingemar Johannson in their second bout to be the first to reclaim the title,he knelt over Ingemar to check on his condition.He knocked out Ingemar with one of the most powerful punches I ever saw.

I had the privilege of seeing Floyd decision George Chuvalo in the old Garden on Feb 1,1965,in what Ring Magazine voted Fight of the Year.In round 5,when George's mouthpiece fell out,Floyd graciously let George put it back in his mouth.

Floyd showed great fighting heart when he arose 7 times in round 3 in the first bout of the Floyd-Ingemar trilogy before referee Ruby Goldstein graciously stopped the bout.

My condolences go to Floyd's entire family.

[email protected]

Nino, Rosemary&Jennifer Colandrea

May 18, 2006

Dear Mrs. Patterson and Family, My family and I offer our deepest condolences. I often had the pleasure of your company while serving as a police officer in New Paltz and will miss Mr. Patterson's quiet strength. He was truly a great man.

1stLt Gerald F. Merna USMC (Ret.)

May 18, 2006

To the Floyd Patterson Family:

This Marine had the privilege of escorting Floyd around the 3rd Marine Division Command Post in Vietnam when he visited us in 1967. The Marines loved him; he was there on a "handshake tour" where he went from hootch to hootch to meet with as many Marines as he could. I took a couple of pictures of that day, which can be seen in another story I wrote about "visitors" such as Floyd.

Mark Triplett

May 18, 2006

I extend my condolences to the family of the late and great world heavyweight boxing champion Floyd Patterson.

Sincerely,

Cathy Bush

May 18, 2006

To the Floyd Patterson family: I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Patterson was ever the quiet gentleman. I had the wonderful privilege to meet Floyd in the early 1960's when he would come to Warwick NY to the tiny Warwick airport. He was taking flying lessons from Bill Falk. He would be waiting while my husband was taking lessons with Bill. Floyd was such a nice person as we made small talk. If you didn't know who he was - you would never guess because he was so unpretentious. God doesn't make men like him very often and I am so happy to have met this gentle man. My prayer are with his family. God Bless you all.

Hon. William J. Schimpf

May 18, 2006

Floyd Patterson was the embodyment of a champion, both in and out of the ring. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with him on his last and favorite charity, building an interfaith chapel at Highland Residential Center. Floyd has gone on to his Eternal Reward, and I will miss him greatly, but his memory, his example and his legacy will always be with us, moving us forward. My deepest sympathy to his wife, Janet, and his entire family. God Bless you Champ, and thanks for the memories.

RISA HIMARAS

May 18, 2006

Dear Mrs. Patterson & Family:



I had the pleasure of meeting you both through a former employer back in the late 1980's. I remember telling Floyd that my grandfather was a huge fan and he allowed me to bring my grandfather to my office the next time he would be there. He met my grandfather and was so kind to him. He made my grandfather's day!



I am so sorry for your loss.



Risa Himaras

Elder George B. & Min. Nancy Y. Barden, Jehovah Jireh Ministries

May 18, 2006

Our condolences to the Patterson Family. May God keep you in His Divine will!

rich doreo

May 18, 2006

thanks for all the great memories floyd, you were always number 1 in my book.

David E. Mac Morran

May 18, 2006

Floyd Patterson was a great Man, in the early 1960's My friend and i rode our Bike about 6 miles to see Floyd spar with his brother in Cornwall,N Y , he told us if we didn t stop smoking he wouldn t let us come and watch . And we thought we were cool to Smoke, but of course he was Right !!!! He treated us like friends and we enjoyed being there with this Super Man

My Condolences to his Family and May ths Man Rest in Peace.

ANGELO MASCIOLI

May 18, 2006

My condolences go out to the family of Floyd Patterson.

Angelo

GLORIA HURT

May 17, 2006

My condolences to the entire Patterson Family, My Prayers and thought are with you.

Marianne Devitt

May 17, 2006

A Neat Human Being - Rest In Peace

Damian McCann

May 16, 2006

My sincere sympathy to Janet, Tracy and the entire Patterson family on the passing of Floyd. I remember meeting Floyd as a kid when he visited Belfast in the 1970s. He was a true gentleman, a man of honour and integrity and such a warm and kind human being.Your suffering in this world is now over and you are at peace with God in his Heavenly Kingdom. God Bless. Damian McCann, Belfast Kronk Boxing Gym, Ireland

Virginia Novotney

May 15, 2006

My condolences to Floyd Patterson Jr. in the loss of your dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers, now and always. Take care. From an old classmate, Virginia N.

Richard Conder

May 15, 2006

My condolences to Floyd's family and friends. My boyhood and lifetime hero. A true gentlemen in every sense of the word and much, much better than he was ever given credit for. A great champion and a great human being

julie mc gee

May 14, 2006

my condolences to the patterson family .i love you all,

gisela holzmann

May 14, 2006

my deepest symphaty to the patterson family, my sister julie mc gee knew you so well.floyd was such a true gentelmann.we will never forget him .gisela holzmann mount calvary /wis.

Tom Herzog

May 14, 2006

My condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr Floyd Patterson. He was a very warm and kind man.Even though he did not know me other than through a letter I wrote him. He allowed my family and myself to come and visit him at his home in New Paltz.It was a special moment we will all remember and be greatful for.

Will Daly

May 14, 2006

First,My condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr Floyd Patterson,One of boxings great legends in and out of the ring,Your class and grace are something this world needs more of and will truly be missed,Love Forever,Champ,W.D..

Clyde Stancil

May 14, 2006

To Eric Patterson: You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Gerard O'Neill

May 13, 2006

I am so sorry to learn of the death of one of the worlds finest gentlemen, Floyd Patterson (RIP) and offer my condolences to his family.

I had the honour of meeting Floyd while he was on holiday some years ago in Ireland,a country he loved.

I spoke to him for about one hour,and told him how as a child i would listen to his title fights on the wireless with my late father.

He told me many stories about his boxing career including his fights with Ingemar Johansson,telling me he was never hit harder and while on the ground he looked out of the ring ,seen John Wayne and wondered why Wayne was lying down.

We will never forget this true great.

May he rest in peace

Mary Queen of the Gael pray for him

Slan a chara floyd

THOMAS M. CHRISTENSEN

May 13, 2006

Floyd was a great fighter in his time ,a true gentleman. He was not a bragger or a blow hard like some of the champions.He was the true "Quite Man" of boxing ,he will never be forgotten in the boxing ranks. GOD BLESS!

Donald F Thomas

May 13, 2006

Floyd will be remembered as long as there is boxing. And he will be missed just as long. I was a fan and have wondered about his health for a log time God Bless Floyd and his family. We were the same age.

Sue Weiss

May 13, 2006

I couldn't wait until the next time you stopped in my father's store in Newburgh, NY (Federal Pants; later Al Weiss Clothes) so that I could meet you! It was 1962 and my wish had come true: my father called my mother, who then drove me to the store. I proudly shook your hand and gave you my rabbit's foot for good luck in the upcoming Liston fight.



Imagine my horror at the result - I thought it was my fault. But you always bounced right back up, and that was the real lesson you taught me.



You were class all the way and will be greatly missed.

James Lehmann

May 13, 2006

Thanks for showing everyone of all generations what NEVER giving up is all about. As a young man, I watched and enjoyed all of your fights. What a truly great champion you were and will remain.

G Benjamin

May 12, 2006

God Bless U are truly a CHAMPION

wayne & june strelecki

May 12, 2006

Floyd was a close family friend, to us he was a gentle giant, a real "champ" a gentleman and a true person. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his widow Janet and all the family.

Buz Booker

May 12, 2006

I admired his class and his polite manner, he was a hero when I was a kid! The world of boxing was in good shape with a man like Floyd Patterson. God bless him and his family, his memories will sustain you.

MW Smith

May 12, 2006

To Mrs.Patterson & the Patterson

family, I am deeply saddened by

the passing of Mr.Floyd Patterson.

Many years ago, Floyd would bring

his boxing team to Syracuse NY to

compete in the NYS Empire Games.

It was always a thrill for us fans

to see him & Mrs. Patterson. The

Champ set the example of the man

I always aspired to be. He was a real

gentleman who always carried himself

with dignity & class. God bless you Champ.

"DANNY BOY" BONILLA JR.

May 12, 2006

TO; A TRUE CHAMPION AND ALWAYS BE A TRUE CHAMPION,FLOYD PATTERSON..NOW YOU ARE IN HEAVEN WITH THE REST OF CHAMPIONS,AND WITH YOUR LOVEONES,AND ALSO WITH THE ALMIGHTY LORD JESUS....IN PARADISE...GOING TO MISS YOU///// "DANNY BOY"

JESSE BEELR

May 12, 2006

my prayers go out to the family



BOXERS ROCK

May 12, 2006

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006

ROSEANNE scott

May 12, 2006

you will be missed , but not forgottton.amen

Lee Hayes

May 12, 2006

"Grandfather North - You are the Warrior, you have ridden alongside my friends here into battle, you have also felt their love and caring when you were wounded or lonely; ride alongside of them, for now they are in this the hardest battle for their life, the battle for inner peace. Now is the time for you to care for them."



- Anonymous Lakota Prayer For A Fallen Warrior



I loved and respected Floyd Patterson. I was saddened ever since I found out that he was beggining to show signs of deterioration in his health - a few years back. He showed little, if any signs during most of his post boxing life.



In that sense, he was quite lucky.



When I say this is a great loss... yes...the boxing community has suffered a loss - just as it does when any fighter dies. But the greatest loss, the real loss here...is to everyone that knew Floyd Patterson.



He was considered one of the nicest fellows you'd ever want to meet, and was always polite to his fans and critics alike.



This man was smaller than nearly every man that ever held the heavyweight championship belt. With only 71 inch reach...this 6 foot tall, 189 lbs champion managed to knock out a lot of his much larger opponents.



He fought and competed at a high level far past the prime of his career.



A terrifically succesful amateur, and former middleweight Olympic Gold medalist. A two time heavyweight champion of the world. Floyd was...during his time until Mike Tyson the youngest heavyweight champion of all-time. Patterson, never one to quit due to a setback was the first to win back his belt in a rematch and thus the first two time heavyweight champion of the world.



He had debatably the fastest hands that ever threw leather in the heavyweight division.



This man...this...gentleman...fought for us. Fought the likes of Yvon Durelle, Joey Maxim, Archie Moore, Brian London, Ingemar Johansson, Sonny Liston, Muhammad Ali, George Chuvalo, Henry Cooper, Jerry Quarry, Jimmy Ellis, Oscar Bonavena...for us.



When his manager/trainer Cus D'aMato tried vigorously to avoid a fight with the monster, Sonny Liston...Patterson would have none of it. Even against Sonny, he tried his best. He just had no chance in those two fights. But Floyd showed he could take a punch in many of his other fights. I have seen some of his amateur fights and several of his professional fights, including some of when he was a middleweight and...he's a definate Hall of Famer, and in my opinion...a definate All-Time Great, both as a pugalist, and more importantly...as...a human being. You were class all the way Floyd.



Find peace my brother.



"Raven" Lee Hayes

[email protected]

Mathilda Collins

May 12, 2006

To The Patterson Family...

I am so sorry for your lost. I grew up with watching the Saturday night fights with my dad and grew to enjoy them. Mr Floyd Patterson was a household name around our home. My sincere condolences and prayers are with you.

Ron

May 12, 2006

To the Patterson family,our prayers are with you. Floyd will always be in your hearts. Unknown to Floyd he was a building block in my life. A great man

Rosalious F. Twiggs

May 12, 2006

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Gail Siegel

May 12, 2006

To The Family of Floyd Patterson:

I wish to express my sympathies to you for your loss.

Mr. Patterson was a true champion in every sense of the word. May he rest in peace.

James Bedell

May 12, 2006

When I first started following boxing, Floyds name came up the most in my studies of the "old days" of boxing. Floyd was probably one of the most decent human beings to ever grace the sport. He will be missed. RIP F.P.

Denis Gould

May 12, 2006

Floyd Patterson's Guest Book picture brings back fond memories of the interviews I had seen of this gentle giant. Always a true gentleman - highest quality person with class, dignity and honor - a fine champion and role model. He will be missed.

JUANITA STEPHENS

May 12, 2006

FLOYD WAS A TRUE CHAMPION

IN BOXING AND BEING A TRUE

CHAMPION OF A MAN. REST IN

PEACE.

Peter Gawronski

May 12, 2006

Thanks Champ!

You are in my prayers.

Shirley Crosby

May 12, 2006

A true champion has gone to get his greatest reward. God bless his family in their sorrow.

Judy O'Brien

May 12, 2006

You are a Champion forever in the hearts of your fans. God has a special place for a man of your kindness, honesty and talents. Save me a ringside seat, Champ.

Martin Cloherty

May 12, 2006

Rest in Peace , Floyd

Shelly Lewis

May 12, 2006

You are the reason I started boxing, I will honor your memory with many wins. Keep fighting the good fight Mr. Patterson! RIP.

Mark Richards

May 12, 2006

I have been an avid boxing fan for over 20 years now. Floyd was one of the first boxers to catch my imagination. Fast hands and fleet of foot he was an underrated heavy who achieved a great deal in his later years, defeating or taking to a close call those whome he had previously been accused of 'ducking.' No cowardice there! Also, if he could have re-captured the form that saw him take out Johannson to regain the title he would have been very hard to beat, past or present. RIP Floyd.

Bruce Jacobs

May 12, 2006

You were a true gentleman and gentile man. The sport of professional boxing will never see the like of you again. May God protect and watch over you, and, bless your family with beautiful memories.

Howard Hale

May 12, 2006

I learned to love the art of boxing and the qualities of a gentleman following Floyd Patterson's career. He demonstrated that you can achieve your dreams and goals, regardless of how others view you. While small in stature physically for a boxer, he was a giant of a man as a person.

Joseph Paolo Jr

May 12, 2006

TO the Great man and Boxer of all time. Mr. Patterson you are and where a Hero in the boxing World.I'm

really going to miss you May god bless you And your Family an may you rest in peace

Allen Sanders

May 12, 2006

A true champion with class and dignity he will be greatly missed.

Joseph W Paolo Jr

May 12, 2006

To the greatest man and Boxer in the world you are and where a Hero now and back then in your boxing days I'm going to miss you Mr. Patterson. May god Bless you & may He rest your soul.

Josephes

May 12, 2006

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

wilson brown

May 11, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dennis Tabella

May 11, 2006

A true gentleman, a real champion and a genuine American role model



He is a legend, and he consistently displayed motivation, determination, and perseverance achieved through honesty and gentleness inside and outside the ring.



We may never see his style of sportsmanship again. The name Floyd Patterson will always be synonymous with the term champion. He was, indeed, a quality person.



Dennis Tabella

[email protected]

Thomas P. Trowbridge

May 11, 2006

to the family and friends of the greatest boxer/entertainer I've seen in my entire life! Floyd turned so many lemons into sweet lemonade. Truly was a gift and he will always be admired. His character and his lifestyle kept me inspired. By the grace of God Floyd went to a new home. R.I.P. Champ! Yours truly, Tom Trowbridge

John Rodriguez

May 11, 2006

To the Floyd Patterson family,

The bell rang for the final 10 count in my gym tonight for your warrior.



Pro debut



September 12, 1952

Floyd Patterson

VS

Eddie Godbold

St.Nicholas Arena N.Y N.Y

W KO 4



Final bout



Floyd Patterson

VS

Muhammad Ali

September 20, 1972



Madison Square Garden N.Y. N. Y.

L TKO 7



Rest in peace Champ

Mike Lerner

May 11, 2006

My deepest condolences to Floyd's family. He was a true champion.

Mike Dugan

May 11, 2006

To one of the greatest athletes of all time.



May the dear bless you and your family in the days ahead.

Mr. and Mrs. Luther Thomas, Sr.

May 11, 2006

Mr. Patterson was indeed a gentleman and a great boxer. We pray that you, his family, will be comforted by the wonderful memories that you have of him.

Mike Bier

May 11, 2006

Floyd Patterson was a class act, always a gentleman. A great man and a great champion who will always be remembered as one of the best. May God Bless him now and forever.

Robert Torres

May 11, 2006

Mr Patterson, you were my Hero and Idol. I will never forget you.



YOU DID MORE FOR ME AND MY TROUBLED TIMES WHILE I LIVED IN BKLYN.



MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.



Regards

Robert Torres

Eva & John Durham

May 11, 2006

Continue to be strong and may GOD blessing shine on each and every one of the Patterson Family.

alma renner

May 11, 2006

to the family and friends of floyd patterson--- may God be with you..

JUDY HOWARD

May 11, 2006

TO THE PATTERSON FAMILY, MAY YOU KNOW FLOYD WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU. JUST CHECK YOUR SHOULDER THERE HE WILL BE FOR YOU. YOU MAY NOT SEE HIM, BUT HE'S WITH YOU. GOD BLESS. BYRON & JUDY HOWARD

Jess Sutherland

May 11, 2006

To one of the greatest Champs in our lifetime. We could use more like him. Rest in peace.

ROOSEVELT&JENSY BEAL

May 11, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

CHARLES FAHEY

May 11, 2006

YOU WERE MY IDOL AND AN AMERICAN HERO.THE PEOPLE LOVED YOU.YOU WERE A GREAT FIGHTER.MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

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