Richard S Patterson

Dr. Richard Patterson, husband, father, and internationally-recognized scientist passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026 at E.T. York Hospice Care Center in Gainesville. His remarkable life spanned 94 years, from his birth in 1932, his marriage to Barbara (née Walsh) in 1957, and a 30-year career as an entomologist serving the US Department of Agriculture, the World Health Organization, and several universities as adjunct professor, including University of Florida. His research took him around the globe, from Easter Island, to Tanzania, and to India.

Richard was born April 27, 1932 in Waltham, Massachusetts to Roy Windsor Patterson and Helen Long Patterson. He attended UMass Amherst, receiving a BS and MS in Entomology. In 1955, Richard entered the army and served for 2 years as an Entomologist stationed in New York. In 1957 he was married to Barbara Walsh, and the newlywed couple traveled to Cornell University, where Richard received a PhD in Entomology in 1962.

From there lay adventure for the couple from New England, beginning with a move to the wilds of then barely-tamed Florida, with alligator-infested lakes, seemingly endless and steamy summers, and barely recognizable winters. His work as a Research Assistant led to a Lab Director role, and in 1966 he took a position as a Research Entomologist for the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Gainesville. His work in control of mosquitoes led to a 3-year posting in New Delhi, India for the World Health Organization, a journey he shared with his wife and children.

Upon returning to Gainesville, Dr. Patterson resumed his career with the USDA, serving as Project Leader and Research Leader on varied programs to combat the effects of insects on humans and animals, culminating in an award as the USDA-ARS Outstanding Scientist of the Year in 1991. Over the years he also attained adjunct professorships at Michigan State, Florida A&M, and the University of Florida, where he held Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor roles for nearly three decades. He authored or co-authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications, edited several books on biological control of insects, and was granted several patents.

Dr. Patterson and his wife Barbara raised two children and he took great joy in them, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Throughout his life he maintained a passion for fine art and antiques, adding to his substantial collection with objects from his world travels. He and Barbara also maintained a love of animals, which they passed on to their children. These passions were reflected in his volunteering efforts for the Humane Society and as a docent at the Harn Museum of Art.

Dr. Patterson was preceded in death by his brother Robert in 1999 and his dear wife Barbara in 2009, and is survived by his sister Nancy Belden, children Alexandria (Christopher) and Charles, grandchildren Michael and Megan (Nathaniel), and great granddaughters Amelia and Evelyn Cain.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to ET York Haven Hospice (Haven Foundation)

or Gainesville Human Society   https://www.humanesocietyncfl.org/

Arrangements have been entrusted to Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Ave. Gainesville FL 32609