Richard Patterson

Richard "Dick" Patterson, 77, of Kenilworth, IL, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose warmth, curiosity, and presence will be deeply missed.

Dick grew up in Glenview, IL, and spent most of his life in Kenilworth, a community he loved and was proud to call home. He was a devoted member of Kenilworth Union Church, where his faith helped shape the thoughtful and caring way he lived his life.

As a lifelong learner, Dick was a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he was a member of the swim team and earned a varsity letter. Deeply proud of his alma mater, he was honored to provide a scholarship each year to a student from an underrepresented background—a legacy that reflects his commitment to learning and giving back. He went on to earn an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and enjoyed a successful career as a stockbroker with Lehman Brothers.

Dick found great joy at his second home on Lake Beulah in Wisconsin, where he loved relaxing by the water and spending time with family and friends. He was an avid tennis player at the Lake Beulah Yacht Club and took pride in staying active. Dick was a member of the Union League Club of Chicago for over 40 years, where he and his wife, Jean, were married, and he proudly participated in many social events. Additionally, Dick was a dedicated board member of the Youth Guidance Foundation of Chicago, and he cherished his long-standing annual tradition of serving as "Principal of the Day," a program that taught youth how to navigate life challenges and build resilience.

Dick had a genuine interest in people and a rare ability to make everyone feel seen, valued, and appreciated. He loved conversation, especially about business and current events, and was rarely seen without a copy of The Wall Street Journal. His curiosity about the world and the people in it never faded. Dick will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, and the deep care he showed for his loved ones. Above all, he was a loving and devoted family man. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he cherished so deeply.

Dick is survived by his wife, Jean Patterson; his son, Richard Carter Patterson (Janelle Patterson); his daughter, Paige Patterson Naber (Joshua Naber); his grandson, Parker Naber; and his two brothers, Donald Patterson and David Patterson, and their wives and children. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, William Patterson and Dorris (Nilson) Patterson. Being a parent, and most recently, a grandfather, brought him immense pride and joy.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

A Memorial Service will be held on January 9, 2026, from 2pm-3pm at Kenilworth Union Church. A Celebration of Life reception will immediately follow the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Dick to one of the organizations that were meaningful to him:

- Parkinson's Foundation
- Alzheimer's Foundation of America
- Youth Guidance Chicago
- University of Wisconsin Foundation-Madison
- Kenilworth Union Church