Michael F. Patterson

Michael F. Patterson, 70, passed away unexpectedly on August 6th, 2026. Mike as he was known to his family and friends, a lifelong resident of Gilroy was born at the old Wheeler Hospital on June 18th, 1956, and was his mother’s pride and joy. Mike attended Las Animas Elementary School, Jordan Elementary School, Brownell Junior High School and Gilroy High School graduating in 1975.

Mike worked at Gilroy Foods right out of high school, until he decided to go into the computer field. He graduated from Sawyer College in 1994 certified as a Personal Computer Technician working for several companies in San Jose. Mike had an excellent memory and an intelligence level where he could do anything. His knowledge was unmatched when it came to the military history of WWII.

Mike had a natural ability with cars and had an innovative mind. In the 70’s he bought an old Chevy Vega (some say it was the Old Gilroy Bakery delivery car) and wanted to build a battery-operated car long before “Elon” was a household name. That dream never came true, but he did rebuild the 351 Ford engine for his 1969 Fastback Mustang and worked in a pit-crew racing Sprint Cars at the Watsonville Speedway which he loved. In 2002, Mike graduated on the honor roll with perfect attendance from the Sequoia Institute with a Certificate of Completion in the Automotive Technology Program. Mike then became a certified Smog Technician.

Mike was an exceptional athlete who excelled in wrestling, baseball, and football. Mike was lightning fast at whatever sport he played. Baseball was his passion and one year (early 70’s) he held the record for the most singles, doubles, triples, RBIs and home runs. He was given an award for this achievement, and his picture was published in the Gilroy Dispatch. Mike was right-handed but taught himself to bat both right and left-handed when he was young. He played baseball and football in high school where his football days were cut short during a practice game. At age 16, Mike had surgery on his right knee to remove the ligaments and cartilage. Later, he continued to play in the men’s softball league for Gilroy Parks and Recreation for Farotte Construction and DiCarlo’s Feather Haven, to name a couple of the teams. Mike was an excellent chess player and taught his sisters how to play along with checkers and various card games that were enjoyed during special times shared that will be treasured forever.

Mike was kind-hearted and had a gentle soul. He was dedicated to his family, taking care of his mother - Bennie Ebbs Patterson until her death on July 19th, 2019. He was a wonderful mentor and the best big brother to Sandra, Sheila and Linda that a girl could have. Whatever Mike was doing - fishing, camping, building a treehouse, fort, or working on cars; he always included his sisters. Mike loved and cared for his animals. During Mike’s early childhood on Ronan Ave., there was little dog Susie and two cats, Midnight and Meatball and then later, after moving to La Paloma; dogs Smokey, Pudge, Socks, Squirt, Velvet, and Tige or Green Eyes the cat. Mike had a special affection for Sheila’s cat Simon, who he would take for walks in the backyard. Mike affectionately had a nickname for his little sisters as well as for all the animals. His grandmother got her nickname “Mommo,” because he couldn’t say Martha when he started talking and it stuck until her death in 1979.

Mike and his mother Bennie were San Francisco Giants fans never missing a televised game. But when it came to Football, Mike was a Minnesota Vikings fan. He loved military and western movies, and he enjoyed bantering about classic movie trivia with his sisters.

Mike’s passing is deeply felt by his sisters, especially Sheila who had been his caregiver since 2018 when his health declined. Mike was proceeded in death by his grandmother - Martha Jones Ebbs, his father Frank Patterson and his mother - Bennie Ebbs Patterson.

Mike is survived by sisters; Sandra Patterson - Jamarck, Sheila Patterson, Linda Patterson Irby (Russell Irby), and his nephew - Benjamin F. Patterson, along with numerous cousins.

It didn’t matter if you were leaving to go home, before hanging up after a phone conversation, or saying goodnight, Mike always ended with “wuv u!”

Until we see you again big brother: “Wuv u!”

Mike will be interred along with his beloved mother, Bennie Ebbs Patterson during a graveside service on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 2 PM, at Gavilan Memorial Park in the grass area. The family would like to invite all to Straw Hat Pizza (First Street - Gilroy) following the service to share Mike’s favorite food and his memory.