Fox Theatre's Joe Patten Dies

ATLANTA (CelebrityAccess) — Joe Patten, the longtime technical director and resident of Atlanta's Fox Theatre, has died. He was 89.

The theater announced Patten's passing via their social media.

"The Fox Theatre team is deeply saddened by the passing of Joe Patten, and we offer our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. As a dedicated caretaker for the theater for many decades, we thank him for his service and recognize the significant role he played in preserving this beloved landmark. Mr. Patten was a man of great character, and his legacy will endure as future generations experience the Fox Theatre for years to come," a spokesperson for the organization said.

Patten served as the technical director of the venue from 1974 to his retirement in 2001, and live on the premisis in the theater's sprawling private apartment.

Even after his retirement, Patten was an active figure in the life of the theater, restoring "Mighty Mo," the Fox's large pipe organ and saving the building on two seperate occasions, once from demolition in the 1970s and once from fire in the 1990s, according to the New York Times.

The Fox was named a national historic landmark in 1976, partly as a result of Mr. Patten’s efforts. – Staff Writers