Frederick C. Patterson

With deep love and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Frederick (Fred) C. Patterson Jr., 70, who left this world on Sunday, 8/17/2025 at his Colchester home following a 17-month battle with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. He was a devoted husband, proud father, stepfather and Popi, a wise brother and loyal friend.

He was born on June 12, 1955, in Rochester, New York, the son of Frederick Patterson, Sr. and Clara (Janack) Patterson. Born into a musical family, he discovered his love for music at an early age. He shared fond memories of fishing on Payne's Lake with his brothers Mike and Billy during their childhood years. As a result, music, art, and fishing became life-long passions.

At age 18, he moved to Watertown, NY, where he, alongside his brother Billy, formed the band High Life. They became well-loved in the local rock and roll scene, as he led High Life with his powerful voice, skillful guitar playing and natural stage presence. He loved bringing people together in joy and celebration, earning loyal fans and a respected place in the community's musical history.

Fred was first married to Libby J. Hare, who preceded him in death in 2007 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Together, they settled in Vermont, raised their two sons, and worked at the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC), where he pursued a career in Clinical Laboratory Science in the Microbiology Department. Besides routine bacteriology, his specialty areas included parasitology and arthropod identifications. Many colleagues and students benefited from his teachings at the microscope.

Outside of work, he was a devoted husband and father, spending as much time with his family as he could. Whether it was coaching their baseball teams from the dugout, cheering them on at the rink, or packing up the car for another hockey trip across New England, he lived for those moments. He was happiest outdoors, whether in the garden or on the waters of Lake Champlain with a fishing pole in his hand and laughter echoing across the boat.

In 2013, he married Angela (Fike) Karlin, where he also stepped into the role of stepfather to her three children, with grace and devotion, guiding them with patience, encouragement, and the same steady love he gave his own sons. Together they wrote a new chapter and created a beautiful life, always mindful of the other five young hearts in their care. They enjoyed music, art, travel, gardening, books, crosswords, Jeopardy!, food, wine, church, fishing and boating on Lake Champlain, and simply the company of each other, even if just sitting on the front porch among their beloved pets and hummingbirds.

He retired in 2020, and quickly took up golf, woodworking, and marveling at his first grandson, Rory.

Fred's legacy will be remembered for his steadfast loyalty, quiet strength, gentleness, intelligence, curiosity, faithfulness even throughout his illness, and unwavering love for his family. He was a true "warrior" in every sense of the word.

Fred is survived by his wife, Angela F. (Karlin) Patterson, son Lucas (Luke) and partner Rachel of Dallas, TX, son Thomas (Tom) and wife Kelsey of Essex, VT, stepchildren Andrew, Julia and Isaac Karlin, grandchildren, Rory, Brynn, and Elijah. He is also survived by his brother and sisters, Reata Castor (Steven), Corleen, Luke (Becky), and Memory. He was predeceased by his wife Libby, his parents Frederick Sr. and Clara, and his brothers, Matthew, William (Billy) and Michael (Mike).

A celebration of his life will be held on October 18, 2025, from 3:00-6:00 pm at his home at 158 Red Rock Rd, Colchester VT. All who loved him are invited to remember a beautiful soul and to honor a life well-lived. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either the Glioblastoma Research Organization or the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support the advancement of finding a cure, once and for all.