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Franklin Patterson, Jr.
Franklin “ Big Man “ Patterson, Jr., of the Tuscarora Indian Nation, died Thursday, April 7, 2005, in Mount St. Mary’s Hospital, Lewiston, NY, after a long illness.
He was a lifelong resident of the Tuscarora Indian Reservation, who was born on November 27, 1944, in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of Franklin and Isabelle [ Cusick ] Patterson, Sr.
Franklin was referred to by his friends as “Big Man”, a term that not only meant his size, but more affectionately his heart and spirit.
He attended local schools and was a graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School, in the Class of 1965. While he at high school, he won the first state Wrestling Championship, for Niagara Wheatfield. As a football player for the Falcons, he was the biggest football player, in 1963/64, anywhere in high school, college and even the professional teams.
As a boxer, he never lost an armature boxing match and won the Golden Gloves twice.
He was a member of the Tuscarora Baptist Church, where he served as trustee, and also a member of the Tuscarora Temperance Society, where served as treasurer.
He was a lifelong farmer and gardener, who would make the traditional Indian Corn Bread for the Nation Picnic and the New Years Feast.
He was employed as a millwright, through the Carpenter’s Local # 289, Lockport, NY for many years, prior to his retirement due to disability in 1996.
“ Big Man ” was an avid stock car racing fan and builder. He enjoyed making many trips with his family to Walt Disney World.
Surviving s his wife of 31 years, the former Phyllis Mt. Pleasant, a son Bradley Patterson; a daughter, Amanda Patterson; a brother, Neal [ Frencene ] Patterson; a sister, Susan Patterson-Schandreau, all of the Tuscarora Indian Reservation. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was the brother of the late Myrtle [ Thomas ] McKie and Marion Patterson.
The family will be present at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, SANBORN, 5893 Hoover Road, from 2 – 4 & 7 – 8 PM Friday, where a prayer service will be held Friday at 8 PM.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 AM, at the Tuscarora Baptist Church 2208 Mount Hope Road, with the Rev. Walter A. Printup Jr., officiating.
Burial will be in the Mount Hope Cemetery.
For directions to the funeral home, click the link above.
