Gary Blair Patten

Gary B. Patten, age 65, was Promoted to Glory at his home in Lynn, MA on Thursday evening May 10th, after battling congestive heart failure for the last several years. Gary and his wife Barbara were formerly pastors at the Salvation Army local church in North Adams Massachusetts where their oldest daughter Melanie was born, as well as Hyannis, MA. They then moved to Lynn where their youngest daughter Gloria was born. Gary formerly worked as a counselor at The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center in Boston and at the Heading Home Program in Cambridge, MA.

He was born in Grove City, PA and was the son of the late George Blair and Marjorie Ruth (Burdick) Patten. Gary is a graduate of Youngstown State University in Ohio and the Salvation Army School for Officers’ Training in Suffern, NY.

Gary has been a faithful member of The Salvation Army Church in Lynn since 1987, where he has served numerous leadership positions. He especially enjoyed playing the bass drum during the chapel services. He has also been involved with The Salvation Army in Youngstown, Ohio prior to moving to Massachusetts as well as staying with his father during his battle with cancer.

Gary is survived by his wife Barbara of Lynn, and two daughters Melanie of Roslindale and Gloria of Lynn.

The family suggests memorial donations to The Salvation Army Citadel Corps, or the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Saugus or the Heading Home Program in Cambridge, MA.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at The Salvation Army 1 Franklin St. Lynn on Monday May 21st at 6:00 PM, visiting hours will be prior to services from 4:00 – 6:00 PM to which relatives and friends are invited to attend. 

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