Charles F. Patton, seen here during his time as principal of what was then Unionville Middle School — the school that now carries his name.
EAST MARLBOROUGH — The Unionville-Chadds Ford community is mourning the loss of Charles F. Patton, who passed away Saturday.
Patton, 85, was a long-time education in the Unionville-Chadds School District and served as the first principal of the then Unionville Middle School when it opened in 1973. He served as building principal for more than 20 years — and the building was named for him. Patton remained a vibrant and active member of the community following his retirement from the school, as a member of the local Lions Club and serving on township commissions, among other activities.
He leaves behind a legacy as one of the most well-beloved figures in recent memory in the greater Unionville community.
“My fondest recollections of Charles are all centered on his thoughtfulness,” said Unionville-Chadds Ford Superintendent of Schools John Sanville in a statement to district residents. “No matter how many months passed, he always remembered our last conversation. He was always gracious and left me feeling better for having spoken with him.”
Sanville noted that Patton’s support was a big bolster to him upon taking the superintendent’s job in 2011.
“One of the kindest notes I received when I was first named superintendent was from Charles,” Sanville said. “He assured me that I had his full confidence – and those were (and are) words that inspire me.”
In addition to his many years as an educator, he also served on the township’s Historical Commission, only resigning in recent years due to health concerns.
