Geoffrey Lynn Patterson

Geoffrey Lynn Patterson, son of the late James A. Dixon and Barbara C. Patterson, was born on Friday, December 27, 1957, in Steelton, Pennsylvania. Geoff, as he was affectionately known, received his primary and secondary education in the Harrisburg School District. He graduated from the John Harris Campus of Harrisburg High School in the Class of 1975. Having a desire to further his education, Geoff matriculated at East Stroudsburg University where he was known as “QP”. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in Secondary Education and Psychology in December 1979. Geoff then received his Master’s of Public Administration with a concentration in Labor Relations and Personnel Management from the University of Southern California in May 1984. He pledged Kappa Phi Kappa at East Stroudsburg University in 1976 on the “Thumping 13” line. He kept in regular contact with many of his frat brothers who held Zoom calls several times a year. He attended their most recent Zoom call on Thursday, September 7th, where they were planning their next reunion. Geoffrey had a strong love for the game of baseball and providing opportunities for the youth in the City of Harrisburg. He was a founding member of the Men of the Southeast League Field (M.O.S.E.L.F.) Geoff served as the Secretary and was instrumental in helping to secure grants that rehabbed ballparks in the city. He was also a dedicated member of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA), where he served in various positions including President of the Chicago chapter in 2002 and on the Board of Directors At-Large in 1997. Geoff was extremely bright and put his talents to use serving the City of Harrisburg; City of Chicago; Fort Wayne, Indiana Housing Authority; and Philadelphia Public Schools. He had a gift for budget and finance that helped him have a career that included working as the Director of Finance for the Department of Planning and Development for the City of Chicago and Executive Assistant to the City Treasurer in the City of Harrisburg. Most recently, you could find him at the front desk at the YMCA on Front Street in Harrisburg. Geoff loved using his gift of gab for answering the phones, making announcements over the loudspeakers, and getting to know the guys that called the Y home. Geoffrey transitioned on September 9, 2023, in his home. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Orus D. Patterson and David T. Patterson; his sister, Joyce L. Patterson; and his best friend, Joseph L. Crosson, Jr. He is survived by his daughters, Ryan C. Maxwell (Demone) and Randi Patterson; his brothers, John N. Patterson, Jr. (Carrie) and William T. Patterson (Vanessa), all of Harrisburg, PA; his precious grandchildren, Ryan II, Jordyn, Braelyn and Victor Jr., including a host of nieces, nephews, and godchildren; his godmother, Abbie Louise Crosson; godbrothers, Jerry Crosson (Cecilia) and Richard Crosson (Sandra); his nephew/brother, Daryl C. Patterson (Michelle); brother-in-love, Lorene Cobb (Alicia), and close friend, Lance “Butch” Burgess. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME.

Tributes

Geoffrey Lynn Patterson

December 27, 1957 - September 9, 2023