Obituary of JOHN EDWARD PATTERSON

Mr. John E. Patterson died Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack following a valiant six-year battle with lymphoma. He was 46. Born and raised in Galesburg,IL, Mr. Patterson had lived in Chicago, IL. and Maplewood, NJ, before moving to Orange, NJ. He earned his bachelors degree in Economics and Russian from Northwestern University in 1981. He had worked with the Chicago Recording Company for several years before becoming a freelance engineer and producer in 1984. A noted producer, he had credits on projects for Frank Sinatra, John Secada, Peter, Paul and Mary, Chuck Mangione, and others. He later worked as a recording engineer, technician and studio designer/ builder for legendary producer Phil Ramone for five years. 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 froma classical session to a jazz date. Maybe he will do upstairs what he did on earth." John joined Yamaha of America in in 1997 where he served as Research and Development Manager of their Commercial and Professional Audio Division. He remained with Yamaha until becomming ill. A member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, John was a talented studio engineer, songwriter, and musician and truly a devoted father. He loved the outdoors, golf, and cooking gourmet meals for all his aquaintances. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Jeanne (nee Lowe) Patterson, a sister, Judy Patterson-Stoddard, and a brother, James Patterson. Survivors include: three beloved sons, Ian Patterson of Orange,NJ, and Corey and Jordam Patterson of Maplewood, NJ; two dear sisters, Jo Patterson of Joliet, IL., and Janice Rosenthal and her husband Ron of Wilmette, IL.; his loving fiancee, Cathy Cross of Cary, IL., as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Private family funeral services were held Saturday, April 1, 2006. A public celebration of John's life is underway for May.