Robert "Papa Bear" Patterson 85, a longtime resident of Corinth NY, went to continue taking care of his "Honey" Anne L Patterson, lifelong sweet heart and Loving wife of 38 years on November 2nd 2022, at his daughter Barb and David DeBolt's home in Baldwinsville NY, with his loving family at his side, under the direction of Hospice.

Papa Bear was born June 4th, 1937 on Wellesley Island, Thousand Islands, NY, he joined the United States Air Force June 28th 1954 and served until he retired SSgt, March 31st 1976 as a munitions/explosive specialist and operator. During his time in the USAF he traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Asia, serving two voluntary tours during the Vietnam war. During his time serving the USAF he received multiple medals, honors and service awards. He also held two Bach degrees from Jefferson Community college, for culinary as well as Hospitality and Tourism. In 1981-1983 he took on the role of corrections officer in Riverbend maximum security prison in Nashville Tennessee, 1983-87 he took on a civilian job in munitions for the US ARMY Fort Campbell Kentucky, In 1987 until 1998 he retired again from a military civilian duty of performing Logistics and coordinating for the US army and NY State National Guard in Latham NY. Including operations for Desert Storm. After fully retiring he worked at his leisure for many Years for route 50 wine and liquor in Saratoga NY, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Papa Bear was a Trump Supporter, diehard republican, Master of Jeopardy, wheel of fortune, yatzee, cribbage, and euchre. He enjoyed playing golf, cooking, fishing, bowling, shopping, traveling, camping ,and being with all of his family, he was known for taking long rides in his truck with no destinations, watching the news while sipping Grande Mariner and enjoying a good cigar from time to time as well as Reading the thousand island sun, there was only two types of music he listened to country and western, Charlie Pride being his favorite singer. However His Pride and Joy was always his "Honey ", He was known to out drink anyone who dared take that bet, For his bigger than life heart, he valued his word and was the walking definition of integrity as well as a mans man, For the past several years his main focus in life was taking the absolute best care for his wife Anne, which he did like nobody else could until her passing in June of 2022 from a long battle with cancer and several other illnesses, as well as their dog Bucky.

Papa Bear had a very interesting life with many amazing adventures including winning the very 1st Ny state scratch off lottery in Watertown NY, while stationed in Alaska he was on a exploratory team with the army corps of engineers to carve out the Alaskan highway from Fairbanks to Anchorage in trucks and snowcats, surviving a stabbing in a bar tussle in the the Yukon, many car accidents, as well as combat in Vietnam.
He was predeceased by his father and mother Jean Patterson and Mary (Slate) Abbey and his brother Joe Patterson, and a daughter Lorna Dollinger.

Survivors include 9 children; Randy Dollinger (Dinah) of Corinth, Donald Dollinger (Debbie) of Omaha NE, Sandra Lawton (Mickey) of Watertown, Fredericka Hudson (Paul) of Kingston Ontario. Canada, Scott Dollinger of Rome NY, Donna Fairchild (Gil) of Syracuse, Barbara (David) of Baldwinsville, Bobby Patterson (Tammy) of Ballston Spa, and Shiloh Patterson (Nicky) of Lake Luzerne; 24 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; three siblings; Janet Thompson of Ontario. Canada, Jody Palooch of Hawaii, and John "Shot" Patterson of Tennessee; and may nieces and nephews.

Burial and celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family. The family wishes to thank especially the many doctors, nurses, and Cancer team at Saratoga Hospital; Barb and David Debolt for their love, devotion and for help with providing him with his end wishes of passing surrounded by his family and not in a hospital. We also would like to thank Hospice for their amazing care and services during our family's time of need. In Lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice