Jeffrey D. Patterson

Jeffrey “Jeff” "Papa" David Patterson was born on January 22, 1957, in Harrisburg, PA. He was the oldest son of the late David “Red” and Lorraine (Geib) Patterson. He grew up with his brother, Tim Patterson (living), in the small town of Campbelltown, PA, with his extended family in homes that were all in a row on a small farm his grandparents owned, the late Paul and Luella Geib.

Jeff attended Palmyra High School (class of 1974) where he was on the Basketball team and was the drum captain in the band. He was an excellent percussionist and played in garage bands alongside his best friend, Bud, and continued to play the trap set throughout his life at home. He also developed a love for hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and white-water rafting. Jeff graduated, cum laude, in 1978, from Elizabethtown College with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Economics. He played intramural basketball while there. While working, he continued his studies at Shippensburg University earning his MBA with honors in 1982. During those years Jeff also became a boating instructor for the Lancaster Canoe club and did a lot of camping, especially along the Appalachian Trail, which he hiked from Maine all the way to Tennessee, sometimes cross-country skiing.

Jeff went on to receive his CMA (certified management accountant) from the National Association of Accountants in November of 1986 which skyrocketed him from Accounting Supervisor (1978) to Controller (1987) to VP of Finance (1993) to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) by 1999. He had reached the top of his field. Known for his punctuality, meticulous work, and quiet demeanor, Jeff never missed a day of school or work, unless it was for a family vacation. Jeff was devoted to providing for his large family. Having an outstanding work ethic, his career lasted from 1978-2021.

On July 18th, 1986, Jeff married his best friend and love, Marlies Dietrich. Those who knew them said they were meant for each other. After years of friendship, beginning in seventh grade, they had their first official date in 1984 and soon wedding bells rang. Together, they raised 5 beautiful children who were Jeff’s pride and joy.

While residing first in Lawnton, PA, with his family and then in Shamong, NJ for 30 years, Jeff became very active in his community. Having four sons, Jeff coached basketball for the IMAA for over 20 years, sometimes two teams at a time. He was a fair coach, making sure all players had equal time on the court. At the end of practices, Jeff would throw his famous three pointer shots which earned him respect from his teams. He also did some coaching in baseball for his sons and coached softball for his daughter, Marie. Indian Guides became an exciting adventure for his sons, and their dad, “Chief Soaring Eagle”. Dedicated to physical fitness, Jeff ran 2-3 miles before getting ready for work. As he got busier with his growing family, calisthenics were done every morning. And when the kids were old enough, family bike rides became his method of exercise. He loved to read history and mystery books and read the Wall Street Journal every Sunday after church. He attended Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Tabernacle NJ, regularly with his family.

Jeff had the biggest smile, especially when he was with his children. He had a quick wit and could be funny. He impressed us with the way he could name every song we listened to and tell us the band who performed it. He was a strong, loving, and quiet presence in his home, and a helping hand wherever he was. He loved family vacations and trips here and abroad. He loved a NY strip steak and a big baked potato and always lifted the lids on the pot when he came home from work to see what was for dinner. And he was our videographer, spending years carrying the camcorder on his shoulder. The children always felt proud and safe with Jeff, whether they were swimming in the ocean or the pool, hiking the Grand Canyon, skiing, or white-water rafting, they knew they’d be alright. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 37 years, Marlies (Dietrich) Patterson; his loving children and grandchildren including; Lars Branoff (stepchild); Lance Patterson and his daughter, Stella Marie; Jeffery Patterson (wife – Laura O’Brien) and their son, Theodore Joseph; Marie Patterson (partner – Joe Smith); and the youngest-Gerhard Patterson. Jeff also leaves behind his brother Tim Patterson, 3 aunts and one uncle, 7 cousins, 10 in-laws, and 17 nieces and nephews and their families, all who loved him. 

Jeff passed away on April 15th, 2024, spending his last days surrounded by his family and dearest friends, after a struggle with LBD. A Memorial Service and celebration of Jeff’s life will be held on Sunday, July 28th, 2024, at 2 p.m. followed by a gathering in the church social hall with light fare, and remembrances.

Donations in Jeffrey's memory may be made to the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 1 Winchester Court, Tabernacle, NJ 08088.

John 20:29

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.

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