John Patterson Obituary

Patterson, John E. age 46, of Orange, NJ, formerly of Galesburg and Chicago, IL. At rest on March 28, 2006, follwing a valiant six-year battle with lymphoma. Devoted father of Ian Patterson of Orange, NJ and Corey and Jordan Patterson of Maplewood, NJ, loving son of the late Joseph and Jeanne (nee Lowe) Patterson, dear brother of Jo Patterson of Joliet, IL, Janice Rosenthal and her husband Ron of Wilmette, IL, and the late Judy Patterson-Stoddard and James Patterson, beloved fiancee of Cathy Cross of Cary, IL, also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. A graduate of Northwestern University, John worked for the Chicago Recording Company and in 1984 became a notable freelance engineer/producer with credits on projects for Frank Sinatra, John Secada, Peter, Paul and Mary, Chuck Mangione, and others. Then for over 5 years, John worked with legendary music producer Phil Ramone, as his recording engineer, technician and studio designer/builder. In a recent tribute, Phil Ramone wrote: "John embraced the life of technology and music- and was absolutely true to both. He had the ability to read a score and engineer anything from a classical session to a jazz date. Maybe he will do upstairs what he did on earth." John joined Yamaha in 1997, where he served as R&D Manager of their Commercial & Professional Audio Division. John was a talented studio engineer, songwriter and musician, and was a truly a devoted father. John loved the outdoors, golf and cooking gourmet meals for all of his aquaintances. Private family services were held in NJ. Plans are underway for a public celebration of John's life to be held in May or June. Those wishing to make a donation for the support and education of John's children may send checks payable to the John E. Patterson Intervivos Revocable Trust, c/o Janice Rosenthal, 540 Hunter Court, Wilmette, IL, 60091. For further information or to leave on-line condolences, please see www.parsippanyfuneral.com or call 973-335-4700.