The death has occurred of:
J. Stephen (Steve) PATTERSON
J. Stephen (Steve) Patterson, 65, of Newtownabbey passed away on 15th September, 2021.
He was born in Belfast, the son of the late William Patterson and Sophia (Roddy) Patterson. He immigrated with his family in 1968 to Worcester, Massachusetts, in America, where he completed his education and work life until returning to Newtownabbey in 2008.
Steve worked on the Grounds crew at Holy Cross College in Worcester, helping to maintain the nationally recognized gardens and campus landscapes. Afterwards, he worked many years at Saint-Cobain Performance Plastics as a forklift operator.
Steve loved playing soccer and played actively in amateur leagues in Worcester until well into his forties. He played with the Worcester (Scans) Scandinavians both on the team's youth league and later on the First team. When soccer style place kicking in American football was still in its infancy, Steve was a standout field goal kicker on the Burncoat Senior High School football team.
He is survived by his sister June Patterson of Newtownabbey, and brother Noel (Carol) Patterson of Central New York, USA, along with several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Funeral Service in Wilton Funeral Home, 298 Shore Road on Thursday 23rd September at 3.30pm.
No flowers please, donations in memory of Stephen direct to The Donkey Sanctuary 72 Ballygomartin Road, Templepatrick, Ballyclare BT39 0BS.
Deeply regretted by the family circle.