Philip David Patten, 40
December 28, 1984 - April 24, 2025
Philip Patten, of Clifton, New Jersey, originally from Pierre, South Dakota, passed away from liver failure at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City, on April 24th, 2025.
Philip was born in Pierre on December 28, 1984 to David and Kathryn Patten, the youngest of four siblings. He attended Pierre Public Schools and was an active member of the Boy Scouts of Pierre Troop 27, Cross Country Sports, and Odyssey of the Mind creative problem solving competitions in his student life. In high school, Philip achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
Philip graduated Dakota State University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer and Information Security He began his career in cybersecurity, at Citigroup first in Sioux Falls, then in New Jersey. He went on to Ernst and Young in New York as a cybersecurity consultant, supporting corporate clients across the country. He was fortunate to work with some of the best in the business, kind and caring colleagues who mentored him and valued his problem solving approach, his commitment to clients and his outgoing disposition.
Philip will be remembered for his adventurous spirit. He valued self-sufficiency, independence and resourcefulness which he learned from scouting, spending lots of time outdoors working on his grandfather’s ranch in Winner, and embarking on solo hiking and camping trips in the wilderness. He embraced new experiences with enthusiasm. Whether traveling abroad, skydiving, or geocaching, he loved the excitement of exploration.
Philip had a lifelong passion for art, literature, movies, and the outdoors. He was known to quote Shakespeare, Plato, the Coen Brothers, and Seinfeld, often within the same conversation. He cited early childhood hours spent with his mother at Rawlins Library in Pierre as the source of his love for the written word. Philip loved nothing more than to enjoy a great meal and a movie with those he was close to. He was known for his kindness and generosity, and was quick to offer help to anyone in need. He was clever, genuine, committed to excellence in his work, and he adored his friends and family. He will be greatly missed.
As is true for many, Philip’s struggle with alcohol addiction was painful for him and those who loved him. It was the great honor of a few close family and friends to be with him at the end of his life. In his last weeks Philip’s honesty and unflinching good humor were remarkable to those who cared for him. Doctors, nurses and staff at the hospital all remarked on his sweet disposition, his love for his family and his courage to the end.
Philip is survived by his mother, Kathryn Patten-Jundt; his sister Nicole (Patten) Watanabe (Satoshi); his brother James Patten (Misato); nieces Elisha Patten, Jaina Patten, and Luna Patten; and nephews Daichi Watanabe, Sean Watanabe, Jake Patten, and David Patten; and many devoted family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father David in 2006 and his sister Mary in 2009.
Memorial services will be held at Isburg Funeral Home on Saturday, June 14 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Philip’s memory to Refuge Recovery or Boy Scouts of America Sioux Council Troop 27 (accepted through the Office of the United Methodist Church in Pierre, 117 N. Central, Pierre, South Dakota 57501).
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