a professional magician, from Bristol, Rhode Island and Shrewsbury, New Jersey, died at home in Bristol on Saturday May 12. He was ninety two.

When Edd Patterson was 8 years old, a magician visited his elementary school. Young Edd was enthralled, and contacted the performer to learn the art of magic. The course of Edd's life was set.

Edd's life reflected his love for magic, for art, and for his family. He became a professional magician when he was sixteen, and performed his magic for all, especially children. Edd's professional career lasted for decades, transforming from large scale illusionist to school assembly performer, to lecturer and teacher. He gave his last teaching lecture in August 2011. Thousands of schoolchildren throughout the mid-Atlantic and New England states watched in wonder and in awe as he performed in one of his nearly 20,000-assembly programs. Edd loved magic. Each year he created new programs and new routines; he devised new props, dyed new silks, built new cabinetry, and created new personalities and voices for his puppet" helpers. "His shows combined art, magic and, sometimes, even science, into productions such as, "The Magical World of Edd Patterson", "The Good Earth Magic Show" or Edd Pattersons Kaleidoscope. Author William V. Rauscher chronicled Edd's life and original magical techniques in his 2008 book, "Edd Patterson: A Lifetime of Magic and Art."

Edd was born in Red Bank, NJ and graduated from Red Bank High School. Edd, his brother Horace, and sister Margaret, were raised by his mother, Pamilla Lukas Patterson. His father, Harry, had died when Edd was eight.
During WWII, Edd served in the army Air Corp. as historian and entertainer,. Stationed in Kearney, Nebraska, he hosted a popular variety show radio program "Party Time on the Army Air Base".

Edd married his assistant, Virginia, whom he regularly levitated. Known at that time as "Edd Patterson and the Stratosphere Girl", the couple settled in Shrewsbury NJ to raise a family. Everyone who knew Edd will miss him. People felt comfortable talking with him. It made no difference whether a person was young or old, rich or poor, he always had a willing ear, a gentle patience and an open heart.

His daughters, Donna and Susan, will never forget their Dad, the magician, their magical birthday parties and those oft repeated phrases from his routines "and I have something I've always wanted!", that have been incorporated into their family lore.

In 1994, Edd achieved Order of Excalibur status in the International Brotherhood of Magicians . He was also a member of the New England Magic Collectors' Association.

Although the magician has now disappeared from this earth, he will live forever in our hearts.

Edd is survived by his wife Virginia, children Donna and Susan, Susan's partner Taki, and grandchildren Amanda, Brendan and Connor. He also leaves several Maltese grand-dogs belonging to Donna, that accompanied the family to many magic conventions and events throughout the years..

Condolences may be sent to Donna and Susan Patterson 67 Shadowbrook Rd. Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 or via email to pattersonfamilycondolences@gmail.com. A memorial service will be held in September.

Edd loved his cat, Rosie, and his dog, Sandy, and in this spirit we ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in his name to the Bristol Animal Shelter 10 Minturn Farm Rd. Bristol, RI 02809.