Bruce P. Patten, 78, of Beverly, formerly of Peabody, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at Charter Senior Living in Danvers surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Vicki (Avelino) Patten with whom he shared 24 years of marriage.
He was born on February 4, 1946 in Worcester and was the cherished son of the late June (Boyle) and Herbert Patten Jr.
Growing up, Bruce loved playing Little League baseball, Pony League and pitching for Peabody High School. Bruce would go on to coach both of his sons in baseball and the Peabody West Little League All-Star Team to the 1990 District Championship.
Bruce excelled as a student graduating from Peabody High School and going on to study electrical engineering at Northeastern University where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just 5 years.
Beginning his career as a meter reader for the Peabody Municipal Light Plant, Bruce went on to serve as the PMLP manager for many years. He also served as president of both the Northeast Public Power Association and Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company.
Bruce had a passion for horses and owned thoroughbreds at Suffolk Downs. Over the years, Bruce invited many family and friends to experience the thrill of standing with him in the Winner’s Circle. Bruce also worked tirelessly as Executive Director of the New England Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.
In retirement, Bruce explored his love to travel with his loving wife Vicki visiting Aruba and Hawaii, before discovering his home away from home in Las Vegas. Every time he arrived at the airport in Las Vegas, Bruce would proclaim, “Mama, I’m Home!” In Las Vegas, Bruce and Vicki enjoyed many trips to Red Rock Canyon where they introduced family and friends to the beautiful landscape and rock formations.
Throughout his life, Bruce lived by the words “Carpe Diem” Latin for “Seize the Day” and often shared his favorite poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling.
In addition to his wife, Vicki, Bruce is survived by his children, Michael Patten and his wife Carlotta of Gloucester, Stephen Patten and his wife Lindsey of Peabody and Jennifer O’Neil and her husband Stephen of Walpole; his grandchildren, Jack, Brady, Allysen, Luke, Stephen, Eve and Patrick; his former spouse, Ann Patten; and many loving cousins and friends.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 4PM to 7PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in his honor at St. Ann’s Church, 140 Lynn St., Peabody on Friday morning at 10:30AM. Kindly go directly to church. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Bruce to Dana Farber Cancer Institute by visiting www.dana-farber.org.