Obituary of Robert E. Paterson

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER: The day of the visitation and service has changed to Monday, January 21st from 1-3pm with a service at 3pm. 

Robert E. Paterson, age 92, of Allendale, passed peacefully on Friday, December 14^th, 2018 at home. He was born in Kearny and has been a resident of Allendale since 1960. In 1945, Robert enlisted in the United States Army during World War II, serving in the Philippines. After his return from the war, he was stationed in NJ, married the love of his life, Eileen, and they went on to raise a beautiful family.

He began his career at Sperry & Hutchinson Company, Inc of NY in 1952 working his way up the ladder and earning his MBA from Columbia University in 1971. After 35 years with S&H, he retired as the Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer. During his working years he was elected into the National Association of Cost Accountants (NAA), NY Chapter in 1952, serving as Director from 1952-1965, Vice President from 1965-69, and President from 1969-70. He was elected into National service for NAA in 1970, on the National Board of Directors from 1973-75, and again, from 1983-1990. He was also the National VP in 1983-84, followed by a seat on the Executive Committee from 1986-1990.

After his retirement, he went on to become a Certified Financial Planner in 1990, and continued to stay active in business and politics. He was very active in the Borough of Allendale serving as a Council Member from January 1991 to December 1998, and again, from January 2002 to December 2004. He also served as President of the Allendale Council in 2002, as well as Chairman of Finance & Water Committees.

Robert took pride in his community and his service to it by volunteering his time to many causes such as Election Day Polls, AARP Volunteer Tax Preparer, the Allendale Garden Club, and was named 2008 Volunteer of the Year in Bergen County.

Robert is survived by his children, Carol McCormick and her husband Kevin of Guilford, CT, Joan Garrand of Waldwick, Donald Paterson and his wife Jeanne of Seattle, WA and Jeffrey Paterson and his wife Ewa of Rutherford. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Drew McCormick, Devon McCormick, Jack McCormick, Allie McCormick, Jordan McCormick, Christopher Garrand, Sean Paterson, Kaitlyn Paterson, Georgia Paterson and Grace Paterson and eight great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his loving wife, Eileen, two sons – Richard & Robert B., and son in law Stephen Garrand. Visitation will be on January 20th, 2019 from 1pm to 3pm at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave, Wyckoff, www.vpfh.com. A funeral service will begin at 3pm at the funeral home.  As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s memory may be made to the Allendale VFW, PO Box 365, Allendale, NJ 07401; Allendale Garden Club, c/o Eleanor Sorensen, 77 Ivers Rd., Allendale, NJ 07401; or Donation Processing, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.