Charles E. “Charlie” Patterson, 80, of Rotonda West, Fla., passed away Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, at Tidewell Hospice House.

He was born to Mary and Eugene Patterson, March 5, 1932, in Red Bank, N.J.

Charles grew up in Red Bank and moved to Howell, N.J., when he married Caroline “Connie,” and their two families were united as one. He graduated from Red Bank High School, where he played on the champion basketball team. Charles attended Monmouth Junior College and was captain of the basketball team there. He was a sports fan, never missing a Giants game if possible. He started and ran a very successful plumbing and heating business for 35 years in Howell Township and surrounding areas. Charles was an avid fisherman and, in his spare time, helped neighbors and friends, and created many artistic projects.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Caroline; daughters, Mary (Tom) Tucker, Patricia (Robert) Bessinger and Cheryl Dailey; sons, Charles (Annette) Patterson II, Charles Dean (Debra) Morris and John Morris; brother, Donald; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by son, John; his parents; and brothers, Eugene, Paul, Raymond and Harry.

A celebration of Charlie’s life will be between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, at his home — his friends are welcome to stop in. Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Tidewell Hospice Inc., 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.

Arrangements were made in Port Charlotte, Fla.