Thomas B. Patterson Jr., 72, of St. James Plantation in Southport, North Carolina, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, while in hospice care on February 19, 2026, due to complications of pancreatic cancer. He was born in 1953 to Genevieve (Kasprowicz) Patterson of Nyack, NY, and the late Thomas B. Sr.

After attending elementary and middle school in Pearl River, NY, Tom graduated from Needham High School in Needham, MA. There he developed a passion for running and was co-captain of state champion teams in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track. He attended Cornell University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research. He ran cross country and track for four years, served as track team co-captain, earned All-Ivy honors six times, and set several Cornell and Ivy League records. He was a member of Chi Psi Fraternity and Quill & Dagger Honor Society and served as president of the Cornell Spiked Shoe Society.

Tom went on to earn his MBA from the Cornell Johnson School of Business, graduating with distinction. He continued his involvement in Cornell Track as a founding member of the Cornell Jack Moakley Endowment Fund and the Cornell Track Alumni Association (CTA). He served multiple terms over the course of 20 years as Chair of the CTA Executive Committee.

While in college, Tom worked summers at the family business, Eddy Farm Hotel and Golf Course in Sparrowbush, NY. It was there that he furthered his passion for golf, often spending evenings working on his short game after his daily distance run along the banks of the Delaware River.

At Cornell, Tom met the love of his life, Martha (Marty) Wright. They were married in Manchester, NH, in June 1976 and, a year later, moved to Illinois to begin his career with IBM. During his 31 years at IBM, Tom held a wide variety of positions in sales and management while living in Illinois, New York, and Hawaii. He retired in 2008 as Director of Global Services Employee and Executive Compensation.

After retirement from IBM, Tom became an independent consultant but devoted most of his time to his true passion--coaching men’s and women’s high school track and cross country at Pleasantville High School in Pleasantville, NY. His impact extended far beyond race times, as he helped shape the character, discipline, and life paths of the athletes he coached.

Tom had a quick wit, lasting friendships, and a strong work ethic that he carried throughout his life. However, his priority was always devotion to his family. Nothing gave him more pleasure than being with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Martha (Marty); son, Michael of Schenectady, NY; daughter, Nancy (Dustin) Flynn of Ballwin, MO; sister, Nancy (Craig) Entwistle of Trumbull, CT; grandchildren, Dillon Flynn, Brody Flynn, and Carter Flynn; mother, Genevieve Patterson; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister, Sally Jean, and his father, Thomas B. Sr.

A celebration of life and private graveside service will be planned for the future.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to make a tax-deductible donation in his memory may do so by check to:

Coach Tom Patterson Teamwork and Sportsmanship Scholarship
Pleasantville High School, Attn: Dan Iorio
60 Romer Avenue
Pleasantville, NY 10570

Or online at: https://givebutter.com/Coach_Tom_Patterson_Sportsmanship_Award