George A. Patenaude

George A. Patenaude, 87, of Ledyard went on Eternal Patrol on Saturday, 18 December 2021, from Backus Hospital, with his loving wife and son by his side. George was born in Claremont, NH on 6 June 1934, son of the late Sheldon and Madeline “Hathorne” Patenaude. He was a 1953 graduate of Woodstock High School, Woodstock, VT. George has lived in Ledyard, CT for 58 years.

He served 20 years in the US NAVY from 1953-1972, and retired as a Chief Torpedoman, TMC(SS). He was a Cold War Veteran and served on the following submarines: USS AMBERJACK SS-522, USS TRUMPETFISH SS-425, USS CLAMAGORE SS-343, and USS TREPANG SSN-674. He also served as a SBNL SUBSCOL Instructor.

Upon retiring from the Navy, he was employed at Connecticut College, New London, CT as a Foreman and as the Supervisor of Custodial Services, from 1972-1986, and as Executive Housekeeper at the Norwich Inn & Spa, Norwich, CT.

George belonged to the following organizations: He was a Holland Club member (inducted in 2004) and a Life Member of USSVI Groton; an Associate Member of the Thames River Chapter Submarine Veteran of WWII (served 9 years as their chaplain); and a member of Fleet Reserve Association Branch 20, the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 4608, Ledyard, CT, The American Legion, and the National Association of Uniform Service (NAUS).

In addition to his wife, Shirley Patenaude, he is survived by his son, Brian (Mary Cotter). Five stepchildren: Ramona (Daniel) Dunhame, Jasper (Kathy) Stanley, Jr., Denna Stanley; Brent (Michelle) Stanley, and Jaqueline (James) Cook. Five Grandchildren: Brian (Kea) Patenaude Jr, Justin Patenaude, Tisha (Silas) Oliveto, Steven (Sarah) Monroe, and Catherine (Chris) Mojo. Nine great-grandchildren: Mia and Callie Oliveto, Brody and Maverick Patenaude, Zelda and Leon Mojo, and Natalie, Eloise, and Charlotte Monroe. Eleven step-grandchildren and thirteen step-great-grandchildren. One sister, Pauline (Van) Bacon, and numerous nephews and nieces.

George was pre-deceased by his first wife Frances; his oldest son, Dwaine; his brother, Richard and his sister Barbara Kendall.

He was a member and a deacon of Ledyard-Gales Ferry Baptist Church of Gales Ferry, CT; and a former member of Chapel on the Thames in Groton, CT.

He will be remembered for his devotion to his family and friends, his generosity of taking photographs and sharing them with his friends, his love of the US NAVY and his many shipmates and friends. George possessed a wonderful sense of humor and shared it with others. Overheard at one of his 1953 High School Class Reunions “Dat sum bitch could take sum grate pitchers !!” George was never lost for words.

The family appreciates and thanks the Hospice and Hospital Staff at Backus Hospital for their end of life care for George. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to Hospice, Backus Hospital, Ledyard-Gales Ferry Baptist Church, or USSVI Groton, 40 School Street, Groton, CT 06340. Funeral services will be announced in May 2022.