Juan Alexander Patterson

Juan Alexander Patterson entered eternal rest on June 17, 2021 at the age of 67. He was born on July 16, 1953 in Roanoke, Virginia to the late Clarence Nicholas Patterson, Sr. and the late Juanita Irla Jackson Patterson. He was also preceded in death by his brother, The Honorable Judge Clarence Nicholas Patterson, Jr. Juan leaves to mourn his loss and cherish his memory, his loving wife, Joann Pollard Patterson, one son, Manuel Alexander Patterson, and two stepdaughters, Dana Marie Pollard and Alana Payne. He also leaves behind three nephews, Clarence N. Patterson III, Damon K. Patterson and Khamal R. Patterson. He will be forever remembered by his close friend/brother Raymond Rouzan and his wife Barbara. Juan was the Executive Director of the Jefferson Parish Housing Authority from 2014 to 2016. Prior to that, Juan spent more than 20 years as a Consultant affiliated with P Systems and MDStrum Housing Services, Inc. In this role, Juan worked with public housing authorities, non-profits, and government organizations. Juan's housing authority experience included developing HUD-funded revitalization plans and conducting performance assessments. Juan was a third-party administrator for the Housing Authority of New Orleans from 1989 to 1991. He previously served as Executive Director for the Housing Authority in Wooster, Ohio, and in Clearwater and Tampa, Florida. Juan earned his Bachelor's Degree in Urban Studies, and Master's Degree in City Planning from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (MIT). Juan was truly a renaissance man. In his earlier years, Juan was a private pilot and owned his own plane, a Cessna Skyhawk. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing throughout Alaska, especially on the Russian River catching "World Famous Russian River Red Salmon". Alaska became Juan's second home where he met and touched the lives of many. He loved astronomy, stargazing and photographing planets and constellations with his telescope. He was an outstanding cook and took great pleasure in preparing meals for his family and friends. In recent years Juan began gardening. He developed quite a green thumb, harvesting fruits, vegetables and herbs in his garden that would serve as ingredients in the wonderful meals he created. Juan was a kind, patient and generous man of faith, with a well-developed sense of humor and appreciation for cleverness. He had a profound impact on the lives of the people he touched. Anyone who met Juan felt a personal attachment and was at ease in his presence. A close friend reflected, "Juan was comfortable in the presence of kings and queens, and at home in the housing projects he managed. He made everybody feel special". He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. His memories will be cherished forever. A private memorial service will be held by the family at a later date. Final arrangements entrusted to Murray Henderson Und. Co., Inc., 1209 Teche Street, N.O., LA. Please express your condolences by signing the guest book on nola.com/obits.