Longtime Enfield Music Teacher Ralph Patterson Remembered

ENFIELD, CT — For nearly half a century, Ralph Patterson shared his love of music with Enfield schoolchildren, inspiring thousands of youngsters to play instruments and instilling his motto, "to be kind to one another" into each and every one of them.

Patterson, who taught in the Enfield elementary schools from 1973 until his retirement in 2017, died Sunday night following a brave 3-year battle with cancer. He was 70.

After graduating from Stonington High School and the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford, Patterson not only worked for the Enfield Public Schools for 45 years, but was also a member of the wedding band Group Therapy for over 30 years. He was musical director and piano accompanist for community theater and high school musical productions in several towns, and gave piano lessons both publicly and privately in his home.

A number of his former colleagues shared remembrances of Patterson with Patch following his passing.

"Words cannot describe the impact and respect Ralph had on his students, colleagues, administrators, secretaries, custodial staff and every life he touched in the music program here in Enfield," PK-12 music coordinator Mark Reppucci said. "His kindness, altruism, sense of humor and love of music making was infectious and revered. Ralph always gave and never took and was humble beyond words. I will miss him and cherish the memories."

Longtime music teacher Vincent Cassotta said, "He was as good a person as he was a piano player and teacher. I messaged him a few weeks ago to see how he was doing, and his response was, 'there are a lot of people worse off than I am.'. He was always an optimist and put other people before himself. It is one thing for people to be that way when they are healthy and everything is going their way, but it is a true measure of one’s character when you know you are dying and you still have that attitude. Ralph had that attitude right to the end. He always looked at the positive side of life and his attitude was infectious, both to his colleagues and students."

Former music coordinator Marilyn Goodnite said, "He was a wonderful and caring person, and a pleasure to know and work with. I loved watching him teach music classes, and to see the joy on the young children’s faces as they sang and participated in the various musical activities that he introduced to them. They had fun and at the same time learned many things about music and life, and how to be kind. He had a lasting impact on so many people who were fortunate enough to have him as their music teacher."

"We were all devastated to hear about Ralph’s passing," Enfield Superintendent of Schools Chris Drezek said. "He wasn’t just an amazing, dedicated educator, he was one of the nicest people I’ve ever has the pleasure to meet. Even in retirement, he continued to be a part of the Enfield Public Schools family, dedicating his time playing the piano for many school events. Our thoughts are with Amy, his sons and his beloved grandchildren. He will be greatly missed."

Former students and parents offered their memories and condolences on Patterson's obituary on the Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels website.

• "Ralph was a wonderfully kind, and gentle man, and I consider my family blessed to have been able to both be taught AND to have worked with him in EPS. He will be greatly missed by so many. My prayers for his loved ones." - Tammy Babbitt
• "My heart sunk when I saw this. Mr. Patterson was an amazing teacher! I had the pleasure, to be a student of his back in the old Alcorn days. He was one of the most genuine souls. My children knew him, from playing the piano for many school events." - Jenn Nutter-Marone
• "Mr. Patterson was my music teacher at Hazardville Memorial School and my piano teacher. I have many fond memories of music classes and piano lessons at your house. I am grateful that our paths crossed again when I became a teacher in Enfield. We were all blessed to have Mr. Patterson in our lives. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers." - Taryn Perry Jennings
• "Ralph was a wonderful person and teacher. All my children had him as their music teacher and he was the accompanist for all my grandchildren's concerts .He will be missed by many." - Donna Johnson
• "Mr. Patterson was my elementary music teacher for K-6 and one that I have fond memories of. Always supportive, kind and encouraging. Not all teachers stand out and Mr. Patterson was one who always made an impact on his students. What a legacy he has left." - Katie Usher DeMeo
• "Growing up, it was a pleasure to have Mr. Patterson as my music teacher at Hazardville Memorial school (back when it was K-6th grade). I fondly remember him playing the piano during plays and concerts, and being in his music classes. When we celebrate Christmas, even years and years later, I recall him playing "Santa Is the Man" with us in sixth grade chorus, jamming along on the piano! That was 16 years ago, but what fond memories of a wonderful human being." - Sarah Roman Greaves

Patterson is survived by his wife of 48 years, Amy; sons Alan, Neil and Brian; four grandchildren and a sister. His family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to the Enfield Public Schools Music Department, c/o Business Manager, 1010 Enfield St., Enfield CT 06082. Please include a short note indicating a memorial donation in honor of Ralph’s love of and passion for music.

An outdoor service will take place Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Beth Olam Cemetery, 71 Edith Rd., Vernon. Shiva will be observed at the Patterson home Wednesday evening from 7-9 p.m., and Thursday from noon to 3 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Masks and social distancing will be required.

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