Condolences on the passing of Robert K. Patterson, Sr

The City Council was deeply saddened at learning of the passing of Robert K. Patterson, Sr., formerly of Cambridge, on January 24, 2026, at the age of 84; and

Robert Patterson was raised in Corcoran Park in West Cambridge by his devoted single mother, Mary (Coiley) Patterson, and went on to exemplify perseverance, leadership, and service throughout his life; and

Robert was a proud graduate of Rindge Technical High School, where he served as Class Treasurer and President, and later earned degrees in Civil Engineering and Engineering Technology from Wentworth Institute, Franklin Institute, and Northeastern University; and

Robert served his country honorably as a U.S. Army Reservist, attending Topographical Surveying School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and was discharged in 1969; and

Robert dedicated over forty years of service to the City of Cambridge Department of Public Works as a Civil Engineer, and remained a steadfast contributor to his community; and

Robert was deeply committed to youth development and civic engagement, serving as

President of West Cambridge Little League, on the Board of Cambridge Pop Warner

Football, and as a longtime volunteer and leader in the Boy Scouts of America, where he earned the prestigious Eagle Scout rank and was later honored with the Order of the Arrow Vigil Award and the Silver Beaver Award; and

Robert’s devotion to family and faith was evident through his active roles in Sacred Heart and St. Peter Parishes, his service as a Eucharistic Minister, and his tireless support of his children’s education and activities; and

Robert’s life was marked by generosity, humility, and kindness, whether through charitable work with the Salvation Army, Patriots Foundation, or his quiet acts of helping those in need; and

Robert is survived by his beloved wife of sixty years, Ann (Flaherty) Patterson; his children Bobby Jr., Jamisean, Ann Martins, and Siobhan Patterson; his brother Bill Patterson, and his extended family and friends who cherished him deeply; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record extending its deepest sympathy for the family of Robert K. Patterson, Sr., and expresses gratitude for his decades of service and contributions to the City of Cambridge and its residents; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Patterson family on behalf of the entire City Council.

In City Council February 9, 2026. Adopted by a yea and nay vote:-

Yeas 9; Nays 0; Absent 0. Attest:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk

A true copy; ATTEST:-

Paula M. Crane Interim City ClerkClick or tap here to enter text.