Dick Patterson Leaves A Legacy Of Service And Dedication To Doylestown

DOYLESTOWN, PA — G. Richard “Dick” Patterson, loving husband of Edythe Wheeler Patterson,
passed away peacefully in Doylestown on March 24, 2024.

Dick was a husband, father, friend, and beloved figure in the Doylestown community whose legacy of dedication and service will forever be remembered by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born in 1937 in Hanover, Pennsylvania, to the late Kathryn and Glenn Patterson, Dick graduated from Lehigh University where he studied Engineering Physics. Soon after graduation Dick met and married Edythe Wheeler in New York City. In 1966, they moved to Doylestown where they lived for over 57 years.

Dick enjoyed running, tennis, skiing, and traveling with Edythe and friends.

Dick worked for U.S. Gauge Division of Ametek in Sellersville starting in 1971. He went on to become the vice president of aerospace products and was responsible for the development, production, and marketing of the company’s broad line of aircraft instruments which were found in the cockpits of nearly all commercial jetliners, helicopters, and business jets built in the United States and Europe.

Dick touched the lives of many people as a compassionate friend, mentor, and advocate. His boundless energy and zest for life were evident in his passion for running, a pursuit that not only fueled his own spirit but inspired those around him to embrace a healthier lifestyle. As a fixture
in the local Doylestown running scene, Dick became a beacon of encouragement and support for runners of all ages and abilities.

A tireless advocate for physical and mental well-being, Dick dedicated himself to numerous nonprofit causes aimed at empowering youth, adults, and families including the Central Bucks Family YMCA and the Doylestown Bike Hike Committee. His leadership as president of the Bucks 5K Series for more than two decades was marked by innovation, inclusivity, and a steadfast belief in the power of community.

Under his guidance, the Bucks 5K Series flourished, becoming not just a series of races but a celebration of fitness, camaraderie, and mutual support. Dick’s vision and tenacity transformed the series into a cornerstone of Doylestown’s cultural landscape, attracting participants from far and wide who were drawn to the warmth and camaraderie he fostered.

Dick and Edythe immersed themselves in the vibrant art and cultural milieu of Bucks County. Dick’s dedication to community involvement was evident through his active participation in various cultural organizations. Serving as president of the Board of the County Theater, treasurer of the Doylestown Area Chamber Music Group, and as a valued member of the Doylestown Revitalization Board, he contributed significantly to enriching the local cultural landscape. After retirement Dick and Edythe enjoyed traveling to Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa.

To read his entire obituary, click here.