MOHAWK VALLEY - Albert G. "Pat" Patterson, 81, passed to his heavenly home on December 8, 2014, with his loving family at his side. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God gave him peace during the last year of poor health. Albert was born to the late Adelbert and Marietta (Aiello) Patterson on December 19, 1932, in Little Falls Hospital. A 1952 graduate of Dolgeville Central School, Albert was proud to have won a contest in high school which gave the "Blue Devil" nickname to Dolgeville school. He was later honored for this by being inducted into the Dolgeville Football Hall of Fame in 2009. Upon high school graduation, Albert entered the United States Air Force on August 12, 1952. As an aircraft engine mechanic on B-36 bombers, he earned the Korean Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant from the Strategic Air Command at Carswell AFB in Texas on August 11, 1956. He was a proud veteran and enjoyed attending annual Air Force reunions at the former Sampson AFB in Geneva. After nearly 30 years of service, Albert retired from the NYS DOT in 1995. During his career, he worked as a mechanic and retired as a school bus inspector. After his retirement, he continued to work part-time for the Herkimer County Office of the Aging as a bus driver, as well as a courier for Centrex Labs. Albert was blessed with a large and loving family. He married Sandra J. Obreza on November 20, 1976, in Dolgeville. His greatest joy was spending time with his wife, daughters, grandchildren and extended family. He especially enjoyed family holidays and will always be remembered for his jokes, gentleness, and love. In his younger years, Albert was greatly involved with community organizations. He was a lifetime member of the Dolgeville Volunteer and Exempt Fireman's Benevolent Association, having proudly served as chief in 1979. He was previously a member of the Dolgeville Special Police, the Dolgeville Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and also volunteered with the Herkimer Hook and Ladder Volunteer Fire Department. Albert was also a member of the Mohawk Exempt Firemen Association and was past President of the Herkimer County Volunteer Firemen's Association. At one time, he served as Vice President of the CSEA Local 505 of Utica and was a lifetime member of Little Falls American Legion Post #31. He was also a proud lifetime member of the Sampson AFB Veterans Association. Albert was a sports fan who enjoyed cheering for the Boston Red Sox, New York Rangers, and most recently the Utica College men's hockey team. He also had a strong belief in God and was a daily parishioner at The Church of the Annunciation in Ilion. Albert is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Sandra of Herkimer; three loving daughters and sons-in-law, Christine (David) Green of Utica, Michele (Yvan "Frenchie" Leveille) Patterson of Dolgeville, and Angela (Randy "Hoover") Schaffer of West Winfield; his brother, Edward "Russell" Patterson of Illinois; his cherished grandchildren, Robert (Valerie), Scott (Alecia) and Jarrod Weir, James DeForrest, Zackery Leveille, and Samantha, Randy, and Christopher Schaffer; four great-grandchildren; and his special in-laws, Richard (Judith) Obreza, Donald (Marie Odile) Obreza, and Maureen (James) Bonnell, as well as many special nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his godchildren Dennis DeCamillo and Molly Bonnell, as well as his special friends at the Farmhouse Restaurant in Ilion. Albert also cherished his friendship with the Reverend Leo Potvin, and his family wishes to thank Father Potvin for his religious guidance during his illness. In addition to his parents, Albert was predeceased by his brother, Richard Patterson, and his sisters-in-law, Eleanora and Dorothy Patterson. Calling hours for Albert will be held on Sunday December 14,th from 3 until 7 PM at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, between Ilion and Frankfort, under the direction of Harry and Kevin Enea. The Little Falls American Legion Post #31 are asked to pay tribute to lifelong member Al on Sunday night at 6:00 PM at the funeral home. Herkimer County Volunteer Firemen are asked to gather in a body at 6:30 PM Sunday evening to pay their respects. Any other organizations of fire departments and police agencies are welcome to join in and pay their respects as well at the 6:30 time slot. Funeral services will be held on Monday December 15th, 2014 at 9:30 AM at the funeral home where prayer will be offered and at 10:30 AM there will be a mass of Christian burial at The Church of the Annunciation in Ilion with the Reverend Leo Potvin officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Route 5, Town of Herkimer with full military honors. Those wishing to remember Albert in a special way are asked to consider memorial donations to the Disabled American Veterans or The Church of the Annunciation in Ilion. Envelopes for this purpose will be available at the funeral home. To leave an online note of sympathy for the family, please visit www.eneafamily.com