Background
Patterson was born in Buffalo, New New York
Patterson was born in Buffalo, New New York
He resumed his college studies while a reservist and graduated from the University at Buffalo.
He directed thirteen episodes of The Sopranos, including the first five season finales. Aged 19, Patterson joined the United States Air Force where he navigated B-52 bombers for the Strategic Air Command. As a director, Patterson worked for several television studios, including Home Box Office and Columbia Broadcasting System. He directed episodes of The Sopranos, Providence, The Practice, Carnivàle, Family Law, Six Feet Under, Computer Society of India, CHiPs, Magnum Philippine Islands, Hill Street Blues, The Guardian, and the pilot episode of Law & Order.
He also directed more than 12 television movies, usually thrillers and crime stories, including A Deadly Silence (1989) and Seduced By Madness (1996).
Patterson died in Los Angeles, California of prostate cancer at the age of 64. Episode 6.12 of The Sopranos, titled "Kaisha", was dedicated to him.