Dr. John William "Bill" Patt, DDS

Dr. John W. “Bill” Patt, DDS, 87, of Massillon, passed away peacefully, late Monday afternoon, November 13, 2023.  Born in Bellaire, Ohio, March 18, 1936, a son to the late Albert and Mary Margaret (Corbitt) Patt, Bill graduated from Massillon Washington High School with the Class of 1954.  He received his undergraduate degree in education from the College of Wooster in 1958, and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from The Ohio State University Dental College in 1963.

He served as a captain in the US Air Force Reserve before returning to Massillon in 1965.  That same year he began his general dentistry practice, the profession he truly loved, serving families and patients of all ages, until his retirement in 2020.

Bill had been an active member of Central Presbyterian Church in Massillon.  His professional affiliations and civic memberships included the Stark County Dental Society – serving as president in 1983; the American Dental Society; and board president of Western Stark County Family Services.  He was named a Distinguished Dentist of Stark County, and served as a board member and later, as president, of the Massillon Heritage Foundation.

In his leisure time, Bill remained a life-long learner and a student of history.  He enjoyed traveling and fishing, being out on the water at Atwood Lake, and he loved flowers and working in his garden.

Predeceased by his parents, and a brother, Ronald A. Patt; Bill is survived by his daughter, Rev. Kristen A. “Kris” Patt, of Willoughby, Ohio; several nieces and nephews and a host of dear friends and former patients.

Cremation has taken place in accordance with Bill’s wishes.  A memorial celebration of his life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 20, 2023, at Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon.  The family will receive condolences one hour before the service, from 10-11:00 a.m. in the funeral home.  Rev. Cynthia Theobald, of Solon United Methodist Church will officiate.  Military honors will close the service, and a private burial will follow.

Memorial contributions are suggested to advance the mission and ministry of Central Presbyterian Church in Massillon or the Ohio Dental Association Foundation.  Your memories and condolences are always welcome and may be added here to Bill’s on-line guestbook.

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