Thomas J. Paterson, 89, passed away on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Thomas was born on January 22, 1927 to his loving parents, Thomas S. and Irene E. (nee Couture) Paterson.He graduated from Lorain High School, Class of 1945B. Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 during WWII and was honorably discharged in 1946. He graduated from Coyne Electric School in Chicago, IL. Thomas was initiated into the IBEW, Local 129 in 1948. He became the business manager for Local 129 and retired in 1989. Thomas married Theresa Anne "Sandy" (nee Zink) on October 24, 1953 and they raised five children together. He was a member of St. Theresa of Avila in Sheffield Village where he was an usher and on the building committee. He was a proud 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 637 where he was an officer and past faithful navigator. Thomas was a life member of Lorain Elks Lodge #1301, VFW Post 451, and Red Barons. He enjoyed being involved and serving his community: City of Lorain Community Development, and Community Development Committee; County of Lorain Bonding Committee, Development Committee, and Blue Ribbon Committee; United Way Board of Directors; Lorain County JVS Advisory Board; and Girl Scouts of Erie Shores Council Board of Directors, Finance Committee, and Cookie Chairperson. He was a skilled woodworker and enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and gardening at his home. He is survived by his children, Cynthia A. (Lee) Smith, Thomas F. Paterson, Charlene M. (Michael) Repko, Cheryl A. (Richard) Robinson, and James J. (Tammy) Paterson all of Lorain; 8 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Irene Paterson; and his wife, Theresa Anne "Sandy" Paterson. The family will receive friends at Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2150 Broadway, Lorain (440) 244-1961 on Thursday, November 10, 2016 from 4:00 – 6:30 PM. Closing prayers will be held at the funeral home on Friday at 9:10 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, November 11, 2016 at St. Theresa of Avila Parish, 1878 Abbe Road, Sheffield Village, Fr. Edward Smith, Pastor, officiating. Christian burial services will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Lorain where military honors will be performed by the U.S. Navy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to , P.O. BOX 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN 38148 or St. Labre Indian School, 1000 Tongue River Road, Ashland, MT 59003 Online condolences may be sent using www.rsgfuneralhome.com.