Jeffrey Crites West

Jeffrey Crites West



Jeffrey (Jeff) Crites West passed away peacefully on July 13, 2022, at home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. By his side were his beloved wife of 55 years, Patricia (Pat) Rienzi West, and his Alzheimer's caregiver, Natalie Saenz. Jeff was born on January 17, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice (Bea) Shukis West; his father Harry Batelle West; and his brother Bradley (Brad) Batelle West. Survived by his loving brother, Douglas (Doug) Hall West and his wife Jane Wiley West; his children, Meredith Ann West and her wife Izabella (Bella) Cordeiro West, and Derek Crites West and his wife, Ann Laing West. Embracing his childlike outlook and humor, he cherished spending time with his 4 grandchildren -- Devin, age 21; Connor age 19; Jackson age 16; and Hope age 16.

In his youth, as a point of pride, Jeff earned the rank of Eagle Scout and won the God and Country medal. He received his bachelor's degree in Finance and master's degree in Computer Science, both from Penn State University. Meeting his lifelong partner in music class at PSU, he and Pat would begin their life together. His first employer was Bell Labs in New Jersey, where he worked for 10 years. Longing for better skiing and warmer weather, the family moved to Albuquerque in 1978, where Jeff worked for PNM. In 1987, he was hired at Sandia Laboratories, and 25 years later, retired as Senior Member of Technical Staff.

Beyond his passion for family, Jeff loved music and enjoyed playing the piano since the age of 12. An avid skier, Jeff aspired to being first up the lift and last down the slopes. His passion for skiing was matched only by his interest in sailing. He longed to sail the world one day and relished his time sailing throughout the U.S./BVI and the Caribbean, as well as traveling in Europe, Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska. An avid sports enthusiast, Jeff never missed watching a Penn State football game or cheering at his kids' various sporting events. Gone too soon, he will be missed dearly by his loving wife, family, and friends.

If you would like to honor Jeff's memory, donations may be made to the Jeffery Crites West and Patricia Rienzi West Endowment at the Penn State University Library (814-865-2258).