Jeffrey R. Partridge

Jeffrey R. Partridge, 51, of Stratford, beloved husband of Jacqueline Murray Partridge, died suddenly while jogging early Thursday morning, (February 21, 2002). He and his wife were vacationing in London, England. Jeff was born March 9, 1950, son of the late Roy and Barbara (Mills) Partridge. He grew up in Meriden, graduated from Platt High School in 1968 and earned his B.A. in English from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1973. Jeff was Senior Vice President, Manager of the Life/Employee Benefits Insurance Division and a member of the Board of Directors of R.C. Knox in Hartford. Prior to joining R.C. Knox in 1985, Jeff spent 13 years in sales and management with Aetna. He held the Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant designations. His volunteer activities combined his passion for exercise and his love for the Hartford community. He was instrumental in founding the Hartford Marathon and was a member of the board of directors of the Hartford Marathon Foundation and the Hartford YMCA. Jeff was a founding member of the Advisory Board of the Connecticut Forum. He was also a member of the Alumni Board of Directors of Ohio Wesleyan University. He recently completed his term as Commissioner on the State Ethics Commission. He was formerly a trustee of Hartford Seminary and was past president of the University Club of Hartford. Countless area organizations have benefited from his energetic leadership and his tireless fundraising efforts. A treasured friend and colleague, Jeff was known as the "go-to-guy," the one who could accomplish what others thought was unachievable and the one who knew how to inspire and motivate others to embrace challenges together. He will be sorely missed. Besides his loving wife; Jeff is survived by five children, Erik Partridge of Manchester, Jenny Partridge of West Hartford, Lisa Partridge of Marlborough, and Adam and Alexandra Pancak of Stratford; his three sisters and brothers-in-law, Cindy and Al Partridge of Vernon, Pam and Clark West of Farmington, and Tracy and Tom Wodatch of Wallingford; his former wife, Tina Partridge of Ohio; his parents-in-law, Edna and Alex Murray of Stratford; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Rick Drazdowsky of Milford; his six nephews, Jeff, Kevin, and John Wodatch, Steve and Andrew West, and Jimmy Drazdowsky; his aunt, Shirley Rehm of Burlington, VT; and many cherished friends and relatives. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 159 East Main St., Meriden, at 4 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 2002. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Hartford YMCA, c/o Kevin Washington, 160 Jewell Street, Hartford, CT 06103. The Spear Dennis and D'Arcy Funeral Home, 2611 Main St., Stratford, is in charge of arrangements.