Preston J. Van Patten

Dateline: Glenville, NY

Preston J. Van Patten, age 93, died on July 14, 2025, at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital in Schenectady on what would have been the 69th wedding anniversary with his beloved late wife, Virginia. Preston was born on October 4, 1931, in Glenville, NY and was the son of the late Preston J. and Margaret C. (Heigel) Van Patten.

Preston grew up in Glenville and attended Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Schools. Following his graduation, he continued his education at The Academy of Aeronautics-School of Aviation in Queens, NY completing his associate's degree. Preston enlisted in the United States Army as an Aircraft Mechanic, serving his country honorably until his discharge in 1956. He continued to utilize his skills in aircraft mechanics and knowledge, earning his pilot's license as a young man. Preston had a long career with Joseph E. Seagram's and Son of New York City as a Corporate Pilot. His skill was far reaching, and Preston was rated to fly and inspect a large variety of aircraft throughout his career. He also earned the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award for his exemplary 50 years of service in aviation. Throughout his life, Preston logged more than 10,000 hours of flying time!

Outside of his work, Preston used his talents to fix things of all shapes and sizes. He even held a patent to his name for a lifesaving device he invented. Preston also enjoyed camping and the outdoors. As a child, he was a member of the Boy Scout Explorer Post 38 and in 1947, the post assisted in getting Noah John Rondeau, the "Hermit of the High Peaks", to the National Sportsmen's Show in New York City. Preston was a member of Super Sam's Camping Club and a lifetime member of the Vixen Owner's Association. After retiring in 1991, he and his wife Virginia traveled all the around the United States in their Vixen Motorhome. Preston was also a longtime member of the Our Lady of Grace Church in Ballston Lake, having been baptized in the church by Fr. Hogan.

Preston is survived by his children, Virginia Lee Newell, Charleen Blanchard, Sharon (Eric) Page and Lt. Commander John (Victoria) Van Patten; his grandchildren, Jennifer Newell, Tahnee Page, Travis Page, Forrest (Rayghan) Blanchard, Morgan Bielawski, Benjamin (Hannah) Van Patten and Lara Van Patten and his great-grandchildren, Maddox, Winter, Scarlett and Henry.

In addition to his parents, Preston is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia Lee (Coscino) Van Patten and his siblings, Robert Van Patten and Elizabeth Cleveland.

Relatives and friends are warmly welcomed to pay their respects on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 10:00am-12:00pm at Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, NY.

A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00pm.

Interment will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery, Glenville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Preston's name to the Empire State Aerosciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Drive, Glenville, New York 12302.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital for their wonderful care of Preston during the end of his life.