Published July 9, 2021
MERRIMAC — Donald Paterson, age 87, passed away on June 8, 2021 after a period of declining health. He died peacefully in the presence of family and friends. He was a longtime resident of Merrimac, MA and beloved husband of Brenda C. (Godsell) Paterson.
Don was born in Milton, MA and moved to Weymouth in high school. He was raised by parents Robert and Anna and had one older brother Bob. Don worked hard to achieve a Master Degree at Northeastern University. To help pay for his education he took an unusual job for the Moxie Company and drove the so called Moxie Horsemobile 3000 miles all over New England for an ad campaign. This started his lifelong love of the soda Moxie. Don had a long and successful career at Raytheon Company where he had several achievements and where he met many longtime friends.
Don’s first marriage was to Janet Tycz and they lived in Melrose where they raised 2 daughters Laura (Balcom) and Erica (Nagy), along with the beloved sheepdog Penny. The family enjoyed spending time at Lake Winnipesaukee and fishing, tennis and skiing were regular pastime. Years after parting with his first wife he married Brenda (Godsell) Wiggins. They continued to spend time at the lake along with Brenda’s sons Paul, Glenn, Jeff and Richard. After he retired from Raytheon he enjoyed spending winter months in St Augustine, FL where he and Brenda shared a passion for golf. Don enjoyed volunteering at the World Golf Hall of Fame where he proudly got a hole in one. Don was predeceased by wife Brenda Paterson and step son Glenn Wiggins. He leaves behind daughters Laura Balcom and Erica Nagy, son in law Thomas Nagy, step sons Paul Wiggins, Jeffrey Wiggins and Richard Wiggins, and numerous grandchildren/ great grandchild.
