ENFIELD, NH — Carl Patten, 90, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his wife, Marlene; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Jean; and granddaughter, Alicia on Friday, March 12th after a period of declining health.

Carl was born in Milford, NH on May 6, 1930 to Orion and Marjorie (Bills) Patten.

Carl became an example of the classic American success story. He had a long history of hard work beginning from the age of fourteen. His early employment included working with Perini Construction building the Hartland VT Dam, and self-employment logging and trucking wood pulp to Lincoln, NH in the 1950s.

In 1961, he married Marlene Lindsay. In that same year, Carl Patten Construction was started; a company which he built from the ground up and would actively run with his wife, Marlene, and sons, Steven and Gary, until his retirement in 1998. Throughout his lifetime, Carl was known as a hard-working, honest, do-it-right-the-first-time businessman. Carl Patten Construction employed several local workers over the years, and built a reputation for exceptional and knowledgeable excavation services. Carl serviced and repaired all of his own construction equipment the entire time Carl Patten Construction was in operation.

Carl was highly regarded and well-known for his many roles in the local government of Enfield. He was a member of the Mascoma Valley School District building needs committee in the late 1960s. Carl served as road agent from 1972-1974, a selectman and the water & sewer commissioner from 1976 until 1987. In May of 1993, Carl accepted appointment to the Enfield Bridge Study Committee which was later named the Pillsbury Street Bridge Committee. The Pillsbury Street bridge was completed and dedicated to Carl as “Patten’s River Crossing” in 1996. From 2000-2004, he served on the Enfield Public Works Building Committee.

When not running a successful business or serving his community, Carl enjoyed many hobbies. He was an avid gun collector, dealer and enjoyed shooting skeet with his family. He read the Manchester Union Leader and Valley News from front to back each day, and spent time completing the crossword puzzles. Carl was well-known in his family as the master of puzzles including the famous Rubik’s cube which he solved in record time when it first became popular in the 1980s. Carl enjoyed antique Ford cars and trucks which he restored with expertise. He was also a lifetime member of the Enfield Outing Club.

Carl is survived by a large family: his wife of 60 years, Marlene; sons, Steven (Jean) and Gary of Enfield; daughters, Mary (Craig) of Casco, Maine and Tina (Bill) of Silver Springs, Florida; sister-in-law raised as a daughter, Nellie (Cliff) of Charlestown, NH; grandchildren, Stephanie (Ron) Mattia, Alicia Patten (Anne Johnson), Nyla (Billy) Waddell, Steven (Eloise) Patten, Jeffrey Patten, Kristy (Amery) Gesse, Cindy Walker, Mindy Walker, Milinda (Doug) Scott, and Clayton Stark; and twenty-two great grandchildren. Carl also leaves behind brothers, Roland (Marcia) and Harold; sisters, Shirley Rafter and Eva DeSouza; brother-in-law, Joe (Ellie) Lindsay; sister-in-law, Joan (Alfred) Dauphinais; and many nieces and nephews.

Carl was predeceased by ten brothers and six sisters.

Calling hours will be held on March 20th from 1pm to 3pm, with a memorial service immediately following at 3pm – both at Ricker’s Funeral Home in Lebanon, NH. Due to COVID-19, all planning to attend must wear masks and respect social distancing. At this time, there will be no reception following the service.

Burial and a celebration of life will be scheduled later in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Enfield Outing Club and the NRA.

To leave a message of condolence or remembrance, please visit the online guestbook at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.