Willard (Bill) F. Patten, 78 of Pulaski, passed away Saturday June 6, 2026 at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY with his loving family by his side. Bill battled a 3 year fight with cancer, always facing each battle with a positive outlook, never giving up, while never losing his sense of humor.

Bill was born July 13,1947 in Watertown, NY to Walter and Bessie Patten. Bill was a graduate of Bellville Union Academy in 1965. After graduation he joined the Army National Guard from 1966 to 1972. Bill began his working career with the New York Airbrake in 1966 overseeing the Hydraulic Production testing Department. Bill moved with the company in 1992 to South Carolina until 1995, then to Mississippi for 1 ½ years, followed by Ohio for 3 1/2 years, finally returning to Bridgeport NY in 2000 until 2013 when he moved to Sandy Creek to be closer to his children and grandchildren retiring from Young and Franklin in Liverpool NY.

Bill is a charter member of Rodman Fire Dept, a 35 year member of the Adams American Legion, Oswego County ATV Club, Pulaski/Boylston Snowmobile Club, and the Greater Victory Fellowship in Orwell.

Bill married Colleen Clark December 23,1977. Surviving are one daughter Beth (David) Johnson Lorraine, NY and two stepsons Steve (Reata) Castor Brownville, NY Scott Castor Pulaski, NY six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Two sisters, Pat Kellar and Janet Cooper Adams, NY One brother Mike (Marilyn) Patten Adams, NY. Two sister in laws Bonnie (Bob) Denny, Patty Giles, and many nieces and nephews along with Bill’s best 4 legged friend Buddy who was never far from his dad.

Bill was predeceased by his loving wife Colleen of 44 years, his parents, a sister in law and brother in law Sharon and Royal Sherman, a brother in law Walter Giles, and a sister in law Marie Grant.

Bill was active in the clubs he belonged to. He would often help with chicken BBQ’s for the snowmobile club, trail work on the ATV trails on Wednesday’s, it didn’t matter what needed to be done he was willing to help.

Bill also enjoyed watching his grandchildren/great grandchildren play sports, cheer, or gymnastic recitals often traveling with his daughter and son in law Beth and David to cheer from the sidelines. Bill loved the outdoors, and was an avid hunter enjoying his time at camp. Bill loved to ride side x side or 4 wheeler with his ATV club, and most recently on the trails with his daughter Beth and son-in-law David.

Per Bill’s wishes there will be no services. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 25th from 2-6pm at the Adams American Legion.

Arrangements are with Summerville Funeral Home, Sandy Creek, NY.

Donations in memory can be made to Oswego County ATV Club Attn: Doreen Joy 1939 Mexico St. Altmar, NY 13302