ROCKLAND — After 5 years of dealing with lymphoma, Joseph ‘Joe’ Patten, 77, finally succumbed on May 14, 2019.

Joseph Cyrus Patten was born on May 8, 1942 in Rutland, Vermont to Arthur and Margaret Patten. He started school in a one room schoolhouse in Cuttingsville, VT, then went on to Rutland High School and graduated
from Lenox School.

Joe served his country in the US Army, working in the Intelligence Service in the U.S. and abroad. Upon discharge, Joe returned to Vermont, working at Spring Lake Ranch, a therapeutic halfway house.

It was there that Joe met Mary Miles. They were married on July 4, 1966. They both then attended Marlboro College in Vermont. He went on to work primarily in the construction business, heading two companies, Patten, Lyon and McDermott and later Patten Construction. He was always committed to serving his community. He was a lister and selectman in the town of Shrewsbury, a member of the vestry at Trinity Episcopal Church and was instrumental in resurrecting the Rutland Area Food Co-Op.

In 1996, Joe and Mary moved to Rockland to be closer to Monhegan Island, a place they love. Joe continued working in construction in Maine, and also did boat repair and started Seacoast Architectural Salvage.
Continuing his interest in community service, Joe was a junior warden at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, served on the board of the Good Tern Co-op and later on the board of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of
Rockland.

Joseph was predeceased by his parents, his sister Judy and his brother John.

He is survived by his wife Mary, his daughters, Jessica Hartley and her husband Scott of Hinesburg VT; Molly Patten of St George, ME; four beloved granddaughters, Sara, Emma, Delia and Margaret; his sister Betsy Gardner of South Burlington, VT; and his brother Will of Hinesburg, VT; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held Saturday, May 25, at 10 a.m., at The First Unitarian Universalist Church, 345 Broadway, Rockland, ME.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Monhegan Island Sustainable Community Association, P.O. Box 303 Monhegan Island, ME 04852. (www.miscainfo.com)

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

To share a memory or condolence with Joe’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.