Michael Patterson

We celebrate the homegoing of our beloved Michael Patterson in February 2021 in his home in Rochester, NY. We say goodbye to his body, but not his loving spirit.

A Wonderful Spirit
Mike lived his life with an infectious enthusiasm and a unyielding passion for helping anyone who needed it. He was also a devoted son to his mother and father, and a caring brother to his siblings and an awesome Dad to his only daughter, Wanda.

A Wonderful Soul
Mike lived his life spreading joy throughout his travels. From New York to California, he lived beyond his fears and complexities, and cherished everyday. Mike walked with power and confidence, but with compassion, often embraced anyone who was suffering. His empathy, strength and dedication blessed the lives of everyone around him. "Hey man, slow down, everyone needs a Hook every now and then" was one of his famous sayings.

A Wonderful Shared Love
Mike loved his mother, who he fondly referred to as 'Momma", and cherished and celebrated her legacy every chance he got. Anyone who knew Mike, knew he loved children and took fatherhood very seriously. He was a 'father' to countless nieces, nephews and other children- who looked up to him and revered all the things he taught them. "My Uncle Mike" was what they called him, a badge he wore with honor. Mike became a father at a very early age, and cherished the strong bond with his daughter, Wanda Reynolds. He was so proud to be the father of a daughter, and took fatherhood very seriously from the onset of her birth. Their life together was peppered with great memories filled with adventure and life long lessons learned. Friends close to him would often say, "Everywhere you see Mike, you saw 'lil Mike', Wanda loves her Daddy!" Michael spoke often of returning to California, a state he thrived in and had amazing experiences. His dream is realized through Wanda who now resides in California.

A Wonderful Love of Life and Living it to the Fullest
Calming presence & endless amount of patience, describe Mike's everyday walk with life.
Football and tennis were his favorites! He would watch endless hours of Sunday & Monday night football games, peppered with afternoon sessions playing tennis with his best friend Lonnie. One of Mike's many claims to fame was living large in top notch apartments, and will always be known to those close to him as "the ultimate apartment finder". Friends and family often applauded his knack for finding awesome apartments, in culturally rich and diverse neighborhoods. He also was an awesome handyman and homemaker, making delicious dinners for his nieces & nephews, and countless friends. In the spirit of heartfelt love, he was coined "the life of the party" and people admired his good sense of humor. Humor is a time honored virtue, of which came intuitively to Mike. Mike knew it was the key to keeping relationships strong. He loved to joke and make light of things others would take so seriously.
Michael loved old school R&B, Soul and Gospel music, and now he can dance with his mother Anna Mae Patterson, father, Hershel Patterson Sr., sister, Irene Patterson, nephews Mark and Cameron Patterson. Left to cherish his memories are his daughter, Wanda Reynolds (CA), siblings Hershel Patterson Jr. (NY), Vickki Patterson (NY), and Jacqueline Patterson (FL), and youngest sister Karen Patterson (NY); nieces and nephews; Kimberly, Michelle (Penny), Kareem, Tara and Rachel; and a host of great nieces and nephews; and lifelong partner Francine Clark.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 6 Empire Blvd, Rochester, NY 14609, on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, from 4:00pm-6:00pm.