David Thomas "Dave" Patterson

Dave Patterson, 72, of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away on March 2, 2024, at his home in McCandless, PA. He was born on March 13, 1951, in Pittsburgh, PA, to the late Algerd and Alice Patterson.

Dave graduated from Bishop Boyle High School in Homestead, Pa. and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Clarion University. His fondest memories of childhood were being in the band, and participating in the Boy Scouts of America with his brother Gerry, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Music would prove to be a theme that ran through every aspect of his life. He performed in many oldies bands throughout the years. Groups like Class Reunion, Pace, and Filigree, where he sang, played bass, trumpet, and acoustic guitar. In the last few years he helped found a music program at his church called Lifted.

Dave was a dedicated educator who served as a Carson Middle School music teacher for 35 years, an assistant marching band director for many of those, and the head marching band director for one much cherished year.

He touched the lives of so many students with his passion for music and and the stage. While he drove those around him to rise to the occasion, and "function" to the height of their capabilites, he truly believed that music and the stage belonged to EVERYONE.

He was a natural proponent for inclusion in schools. No one was ever turned away or excluded from his band or his stage productions when he was director. In fact, he went out of his way to gather the students that maybe hadn't found a welcome, or easy acceptance in other areas. He learned their strengths, challenged them (just not always in the gentlest or most PC of ways) and created a place where each could shine as a valued member of his team! He saw potential in every one of those kids, and forced them to see their worth through his eyes.

As much as he enjoyed being front and center when he conducted his concerts or performed on stage himself, he was just as passionate about stagecraft behind the scenes. His numerous plays, musicals, marching band halftime shows, and Carson talent shows couldn't be rivaled. The working carousel, and the year it "rained" (if you know, you know) on the North Allegheny stage, will live on in stage crew legend!!

He took that love of music tech and turned it into his own sound company as well. He used his talents around the city and contracted with the Allegheny County Parks for many years. He was instrumental in making their concerts in the parks possible.

In addition to his career achievements, Dave was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He loved model trains, good food, and doing pretty much anything his grandchildren asked him to! His faith and his family were deeply important to him. He will be missed by all who really knew him.

He is survived by Deborah, his loving wife of 45 years , his children Brian (Lauren) Patterson, Bree (Nicholas) Sudaric, Benjamin (Megan) Patterson, his grandchildren Blake, Max, Rylie, Reah, and Alex, and his sister Marianne (Richard) Mader.

Besides his parents, Dave is preceded in death his brother, Stephen "Gerry" Patterson.

The family will hold a private service to honor and remember Dave's life. In lieu of flowers, a dedication donation can be made to the Hungry For Music charity. Their mission is to put instruments into the hands of educators and students who need them. https://hungryformusic.org/make-a-dedication-donation/