Stuart Patton Ph.D.

About

Pennsylvania State University San Diego State University

Stuart Patton Obituary

Stuart Patton Stuart Patton, PhD, Evan Pugh Professor of Agriculture Emeritus at Penn State, died October 9, 2017, at his home in La Jolla, Calif. Born in Ebenezer, N.Y., in 1920, the son of George Patton and Ina Neher Bowen, Dr. Patton spent his youth in East Aurora and Hempstead, Long Island, graduating from Radnor High in Wayne. Dr. Patton first came to State College as an undergraduate at Penn State where he obtained his Bachelor's of Science in Dairy Science in 1943. After serving as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy during World War II and graduate work at Ohio State University, Dr. Patton returned to Centre County in 1949, and took a faculty position with the Food Science Department of his alma mater. His career as a scientist and teacher resulted in more than 200 peer-reviewed publications, significant research into the micro-chemistry of flavor, and advances in the use of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry as analytical tools in the field of flavor research. Dr. Patton's graduate students hailed from such disparate lands as Finland, Japan, Libya, India, and Germany. In 1966, he was named among Penn State's first Evan Pugh Professors, and his studies of milk and lactation were recognized by the prestigious Macy-Gyorgy Award from the Society for Research on Human Milk and Lactation. Upon retirement from Penn State in 1980, Dr. Patton became an adjunct professor in both the Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, and in the School of Family Studies and Consumer Sciences at San Diego State University. He received the Penn State Department of Dairy and Animal Science's Dairy Distinguished Alumnus award and the College of Agricultural Sciences' Outstanding Alumnus award. Preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Colleen, Dr. Patton is survived by his seven children: John, Richard, Gail, Tom, Mary, Patricia, and Joseph. A Memorial, including Mass will be held at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in San Diego, Calif. on November 14, 2017. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Dr. Patton's memory consider donating to The Pennsylvania State University and earmarking the funds for the "Donald V. Josephson & Stuart Patton Mentorship Award in Dairy and Food Science," care of: Kelli Gardner, 240 Ag Admin. Bldg., University Park, PA 16802-2600.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Centre Daily Times on Nov. 11, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Stuart Patton

7 Entries

DONALD BILLS

July 1, 2020

Stuart Patton was the Major Professor of E.A. Day who was my Major Professor at Oregon State University. My interactions with Stu were brief, but valuable. His philosophy about the "plums" ripe for picking from the research tree stayed with me throughout my life and was a paradigm for advice that I often gave others. I taught Dairy Chemistry for several years, and I used the excellent text composed by Jenness and Patton. To me Stuart was a giant among researchers, yet a humble person. He had a great mostly indirect influence on my life and research.

Dick Saacke

July 13, 2018

A belated farewell to wonderful mentor, colleague and fishing buddy. May the Gods be with you dear friend.

Karen Patton

January 3, 2018

Just learned of my (cousin?) Stuart's passing. Stuart and I connected years ago around some genealogy work I had done on the Patton family, and he was very interested in sharing information, and then sharing his friendship. I regret we never had a chance to meet in person, but we maintained periodic contact. He generously helped me financially a number of years ago during a rough patch, even though he had never met me, and always maintained a wonderfully supportive interaction. He was always proud of his family and sharing information on all his children's activities. He led a life filled with both personal and professional successes. My deepest condolences to his loved ones on their loss. May his long and wonderful life be celebrated and bring comfort.

Mimi Mott Johnson

November 23, 2017

So very sorry to learn of my Uncle Stuart's passing. He was a younger half brother to my mother, Elizabeth Patton Mott. Although distance and circumstances intervened over the years, we did keep in touch sporadically. I hope his final Journey was peaceful. May God rest his soul. Sending condolences and prayers for his family. (Mary Ellen) Mimi Mott Johnson

Craig Baumrucker

November 20, 2017

As Stu would often say its a privilege and I acknowledge such to know and work with Stu Patton. He was an excellent scientist and mentor of many young people.