Nathan Douglas Patterson

Our dear Nathan Patterson passed away in his home from health complications on Thursday, February 27 at the age of 41. Born in Princeton, NJ to Kim & Cheryl Patterson, Nathan was a head-strong and intelligent young man. He grew up in New Jersey alongside his younger brother, Ben, who he protected and loved unconditionally. 

   Nathan graduated high school from St. Mary's Hall/Doane Academy in Burlington, NJ in 2001, and subsequently earned his bachelor's degree in economics from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA in 2005. Nathan made many life-long friendships during his schooling years, and held those friendships close to his heart. 

   Nathan went on to work many jobs in many fields, but refused to be defined by any single one of them. He stayed close to Central Pennsylvania while his mother Cheryl's health declined, acting as her care-taker and confidante until she passed away from a lengthy battle with cancer in 2013. After her passing, Nathan explored the United States, driving the entire span of the country, and spending time with loved ones along the way. He ultimately planted his roots in Harrisburg, PA, where he spent his last years working from home. 

   Nathan was a deep thinker, a gentle soul, and a staunch advocate for justice and decency. He often took other's sadness and pain personally, and made a point to support marginalized people in any way he could. As years went by, his own health declined in a number of ways. No matter how badly he felt or how much pain he was in, he always loved to laugh and make people laugh. He had a sense of humor that was unmatched, and could easily turn any bad situation into an excuse to smile and share a hug (or 3). The void left behind by Nathan will be felt by everyone in his life, but he insisted that his loved ones take solace in the fact that his suffering is over, and to love each other as he loved - deeply and whole-heartedly. 

   Nathan is survived by his father Kim Patterson and Kim's wife Patti, his brother Ben Patterson and Ben's wife Cassie and their son Jeremy (10), and so many other friends that Nathan treated as if they were family. Per his wishes, there won't be a formal funeral service or a viewing, but his burial is open to family and friends at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Mechanicsburg, PA on Saturday March 8th at 1pm, where he will be laid to rest next to his mother who he loved so dearly. A brief luncheon will be held in his honor at TJ Rockwell's in Mechanicsburg following the burial.

   In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a local organization that Nathan personally supported, as he loved the work they do for his community: https://www.ccuhbg.org/how-to-help/donate/