TEWKSBURY: Richard A. Patten, age 75, a lifelong resident of North Street in Tewksbury, died Thursday, October 18, 2007 at the Fairhaven Healthcare Center in Lowell.
Born in Lowell on March 28, 1932, he was the son of the late Harold A. and Josephine M. (Millett) Patten.
He was an attendant of the Tewksbury Congregational Church.
Mr. Patten attended Tewksbury schools and graduated from Tewksbury High School in 1949.
He furthered his education at the University of New Hampshire, graduating with a B.S. Degree in Horticulture. While attending U.N.H., he became a member of the Phi Mui Delta fraternity.
Following graduation, he entered the U.S. Air Force and became a jet fighter pilot, flying the all-weather supersonic F-86 D and F-86L aircraft in an air defense capacity. After completing his tour of duty, he returned to civilian life, but continued flying troop carriers with the U.S.A.F. Reserves. He was later re-activated for the Cuban Missile Crisis of the 60’s and was later honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.
Prior to his retirement, Mr. Patten was the third generation of his family to grow carnations in Tewksbury and the Patten Greenhouse Company was distinguished as one of New England’s largest growers of carnations.
Mr. Patten served as past president of the New England Carnation Grower’s Association and the national organization known as the American Carnation Society.
After raising carnations, he went into the wholesale side of the business and for 23 years sold all species of cut flowers and cut greens for the florist trade.
Mr. Patten enjoyed spending time with his kids and vacationing on Lake Winnipesaukee.
In addition, he was an avid New England Patriots fan.
He is survived by his children, Douglas C. Patten and his wife Regina of Tewksbury, Susan L. Howe and her husband Joseph of Lowell, Sandra E. Seras and her husband William of Carlisle, PA and Kimberly A. Green of Lowell; eight grandchildren, Douglas C. Patten, Jr. and Evan A.Patten, Jeffrey P. and Alyssa L. Howe, Andrew W. and Alexa N. Seras, Richard M. and Tyler K. Green; also two nephews, Richard and Harold Rabak.
Mr. Patten was the brother of the late Natalie P. Rabak.
Calling hours Tuesday, October 23rd, from 4-8 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Funeral service Wednesday, October 24th, at 10:30 a.m., at the Tewksbury Congregational Church. Interment to follow at Tewksbury Cemetery.