J.J. Patterson and Sons Funeral Residence Limited
19 Young Street,
Welland, ON L3B 4C5
905-735-5713
jjpatterson@bellnet.ca
Our Heritage
A Family Owned Establishment Since 1874
| It was a simpler time. It was a time when you knew most everyone in the town, an additional horse for the hearse cost a nickel and your honour and integrity meant everything. The year was 1874 and George Reuben Cronmiller, an undertaker for some time, and his wife Susanne had just moved to their new home in Welland. |
St. Matthew's Lutheran Church Alta |
It was here that he established a furniture and undertaking business on Main Street. George was an active member of the community where he played a strong role in the formation of St. Matthews Lutheran Church in 1876. The left side of the stained glass window above the altar in the present St. Matthew's Church was dedicated in memory of George and Susanne Cronmiller. George also served as a member of the Welland town council in 1878, just one year after the incorporation of Welland as a town.
The Business Takes on the Name J.J. Patterson & Sons
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In February of 1911, John J. Patterson and his wife Annie purchased the funeral and furniture enterprise. John had worked on the Welland Canal and had saved enough money to follow his dream of working in funeral service. He was assisted by his son-in-law George Darte, who later went on to establish a funeral home in Port Colborne, with John's help. He was very active in the community and his church. On November 6, 1913, John turned the sod for the church now known as St. Mary's Church at the corner of Hellems Avenue and Griffith Street. John had seven children who helped him run the family business. His twin sons Gerald and Harold served their country in WWI and returned to Welland where Gerald resumed serving at the funeral home and Harold became a deputy-sheriff in the court system while still assisting the family firm. |
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The original Patterson horse-drawn coach driven by Harold Patterson.
A Time For Growth
In 1921 it was determined that, due to the increasing business, it was necessary to tear down the frame buildings on Main Street and replace them with a “modern” two storey building.
The "New" Building On Main Street Circa 1922
The business increased so rapidly that in 1925 it was found necessary to make another large addition. This addition included a chapel, casket display room, a private mortuary, garage and storehouse. On February 3, 1927, The Port Colborne Citizen reported that Patterson’s “gives Welland the opportunity of boasting the most complete home furnishing store and up-to-date funeral service in this peninsula.” In 1930, John J. Patterson died leaving the funeral home to his wife Annie.
In 1934, the family purchased the home of A.P. Brown, the town jeweler, at 19 Young Street. It was decided to move the funeral operations to this new location. The quiet neighbourhood provided an ideal location for the funeral home. In 1942 Annie died, and Gerald, Harold and Jack took over the funeral home and furniture store. Jack, who had also been employed with the carbon manufacturing plant in Welland, passed away in 1945. Two years later it was decided to separate the funeral home from the furniture store entirely. Gerald operated the funeral home and Harold maintained the store.
A Family Man With a Vision
Gerald Patterson was a dedicated funeral director and a well-respected citizen of Welland. He lived above the funeral home on Young Street so he could always be close at hand to serve the families of Welland. He was also active in funeral service associations, St. Mary’s Church and the Knights of Columbus. In the funeral profession, he was ahead of his time, pioneering the the manners of superior service through professional staff, modern facilities and an immaculate fleet of vehicles. Sadly, in 1961, he died after a short illness.
Gerald Patterson with the Packard funeral coach
Gerald's wife Madelaine succeeded him and their only child, Mary-Jo and her husband Edward Thibodeau returned to Welland to assist her. They assumed leadership of the firm when Madelaine died in 1972.
A New Era Of Service
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In 1998, Chris and Linda Chappelle acquired J.J. Patterson & Sons allowing them to be only the third family in the firm's history to have the privilege of assisting the families of Welland and surrounding area during one of life's most difficult times. |
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Since Chris had interned with the funeral home in 1982 and managed the funeral service operations since 1985, the Patterson family knew the dedication and reputation established by the Cronmiller’s and carried on by the Pattersons would continue to flourish.
Amidst all the changes that have taken place since 1874, the desire to render personal attention and compassionate, understanding service with fairness, dignity and integrity has never been greater.
Dignified Services at Modest Prices Since 1874
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