Bernard J. Patterson

Calling hours for Bernard Joseph Patterson, age 93, of Malone, will be held on May 9, 2024 from 10:00AM until 12:00PM at Frary Funeral Home, Malone. A graveside service will take place following the calling hours at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Mr. Patterson died on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at his home in Malone, NY. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home.
Bernard was born on March 30, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, the son of Andrew Patterson and Catherine Janet Snetsinger Patterson. He attended schools in Cornwall, Ontario and graduated from Massena High School in 1949. Bernard married Eleanore Silver on December 14, 1968 at Notre Dame Church in Malone with Rev. Arthur LaBaff officiating. She predeceased him on December 27, 2010. He is predeceased by his father, Andrew in 1935, his mother, Catherine in 1965, brothers, Andrew in infancy, Gerald E. in 1989, Leo A. in 2004, and half-brother, Jack.
He worked in the traffic/shipping departments of both the Alcoa and Reynolds plants in Massena. While at Alcoa, he was instrumental in forming a local chapter of Delta Nu Alpha Transportation Fraternity, an organization of rail, truck, air, and water carriers. He was a past president of the chapter.
During the Korean War, he served as a member of a U.S. Air Force Band. He was both a percussionist and narrator for the bands concerts and performances. He was honorably discharged in November 3, 1953. He was always interested and active in Veteran's affairs. He was a past commander of American Legion Post 79 in Massena.
In 1970, he became a U.S. Customs Officer. He worked mostly in the Fort Covington, Trout River, and Chateaugay border area. Bernard met his "adopted son" from different parents – Matt Boyea through his association with the Border Patrol. He and Matt enjoyed the breakfasts and coffee clutches with all the men of Malone.