Jeff Vadasz Obituary
Born August 12, 1965, Jeff grew up in Los Altos, California. He graduated from Awalt High School in 1983 and Oregon State University in 1988. Jeff's professional highlight was at Broadcom, where he played a part in the development of 802.11 Wi-Fi technologies-advancements that continue to shape how people connect across the globe. His colleagues knew him not only for his technical accomplishments but also for his leadership, enthusiasm and collaborative spirit.
Outside of work, Jeff found joy and inspiration through travel, cycling and landscape photography. These were not solitary pursuits for him; they were avenues for camaraderie, shared adventure and creativity. Whether conquering one of his many endurance rides or capturing the perfect shot, his joy came as much in the shared experience as in realization of his goals. Those who knew him will remember his warmth, infectious smile and quick wit-he loved to laugh and delighted in making others laugh along with him.
Jeff faced Corticobasal Syndrome and Alzheimer's disease with courage and resilience. Jeff was grateful to all who supported him during the last few years - his medical team, caregivers, devoted friends, and, especially, his loving family.
He is survived by his beloved wife Diane Schmidt; his parents Leslie and Judy Vadasz; his brother Dave Vadasz and sister-in-law Yoshiko Nishimura; nephew James Vadasz; and niece Katie Vadasz. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Gail and Sally Young and Gyula and Maria Vadasz.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in Jeff's memory to CurePSP (www.psp.org) to help fund research into neurodegenerative diseases. A celebration of Jeff's life will be scheduled at a future time so that friends and family may gather to honor his memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kei Worry, Focused Speech
September 30, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. It was a huge honor working with him and Diane in a rehabilitative context. I will cherish his sharp wit, artistic insight, and zest for life. Always.
Peter Cellarius
September 23, 2025
Jeff, we miss you a lot. Our dear friend, the sustaining love of Diane's life, our trustworthy buddy at so many SF concerts and the one who would always stay late to help us clean up our New Year's Eve parties. Fearsome adversary at Crokinole and dreaded wielder of countless historical facts at countless dinners.
I remember you both in how you were together, encountering and enjoying life. You gave me the honor of being your wedding officiant, and I went back just now to see what I wrote. The words, and the picture here, so reflect the two of you:
"Jeff and Diane complement each other and in doing so, complete each other as well. Two bright stars that orbit each other are the stronger in the joining of their attraction, and the brighter in the joining of their light. If love were radiance, we could see the union of Jeff and Diane from half a universe away, and feel the warmth of their love across the other side of space."
Jeff we see your star, blazing as you do, pushing away darkness and waiting for those you love. I know we will see you again. All our love;
Peter, Heather, Peter E and Paul.
Scott Walton
September 22, 2025
Here's a great memory from 2017 with Jeff, Charlie Cramer and me as we embark on a multi-day photography backpacking trip in Harris Wash which is in the Escalante region of southern Utah.
Anne Colley
September 21, 2025
To the Vadasz family, thinking of you at this very difficult time. May Jeff´s memory be a blessing. (O´Shea family friend)
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Chris Daugherty
September 20, 2025
I am deeply saddened to learn about Jeff´s passing. He will always be remembered for his intelligent sense of humor and being the great person that we had the honor of knowing and sharing time with.
Our family will be praying for and thinking of Diane and all of Jeff´s family.
We are heartbroken.
Han Lu
September 20, 2025
2019 Spring Yosemite Charlie's workshop.
RIP Jeff.
Scott Walton
September 20, 2025
I´m one of Jeff´s photography friends. We had so many wonderful photo trips together. Whether sharing a workshop experience, exploring the back alleys of Bodie, hanging out in Yosemite Valley, hiking and backpacking the canyons of the Escalante, or driving through the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Smoky Mountains, Jeff was a great photographic companion, full of life and laughter and so much fun to be around. He could always find the best little coffee shops wherever we were. Diane I´m so sorry for your loss. Jeff and I traded prints a few years ago and I´ll treasure his even more now. Sincere prayers for all who knew and loved him.
Wayne Johnson
September 19, 2025
Jeff will be missed. He lived down the hall in my dorm and later we shared an apartment. I have many wonderful memories of Jeff. This is one of my favorites:
A Real Surprise Birthday Party
It was the winter term of 1988, our last year at OSU. Over the years we had celebrated many birthdays in our friend group, but never Jeff's. Jeff's birthday occurred in the summer when we weren't at school. I wanted to celebrate Jeff's birthday with all of our friends, regardless of the actual date of his birthday. I picked a day that worked well with the academic schedule, and proceeded to invite all of our friends, including those who had moved away, to the party. We ended up with a fantastic turn out! Everybody came. There were presents, balloons and cake.
We all yelled 'Surprise!' when Jeff walked in. I have never seen the guest of honor so surprised at a party! He had no idea that this party was for him!
Amazingly, the biggest surprise was on me. The day I had randomly picked happened to be Jeff's 1/2 birthday, February 12!
Walter Morton
September 19, 2025
Very sorry to hear. I have many great memories of Jeff while working with him several years at Broadcom. He was a great guy and will be missed.
Dalton
September 18, 2025
So sad to hear this. Jeff was a joy to be around, at work and outside of work. He will be missed.
Vickie Chegwidden
September 18, 2025
We are so very sorry for your loss. My husband and I were friends of Jeff´s from the Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club.
Our prayers are with you all.
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