CLIFTON, NJ – Philip Patten, 40, of Clifton, New Jersey, originally from Pierre, South Dakota, passed away from liver failure at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City, on Thursday, April 24th, 2025, after a long struggle with alcohol addiction. Memorial services will be held at Isburg Funeral Home on Saturday, June 14 at 11:00 a.m. with burial at 3:00pm at the Winner City Cemetery. 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, 117 N. Central Ave, Pierre, South Dakota 57501). Following the service the family wishes to invite everyone to join them at the Pierre American Legion Cabin for a time of fellowship.

Philip was born in Pierre on December 28, 1984 to David Laurence and Kathryn Clarice 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, and he lived the values he learned through Scouting: Kindness, Bravery, Self-reliance and Teamwork, throughout his life.

Philip attended Dakota State University from 2003-2008 and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer and Information Security, Business Information Systems. At DSU, Philip met his student advisor, Professor Mark Moran, who encouraged him in building his cybersecurity expertise. Philip loved to recount the story of when he hacked into the University’s records system in an attempt to expose its vulnerability and to score points in Professor Moran’s class. When the University administration called him to account for this stunt, Professor Moran went to bat for Philip, advocating that the University should hire him to strengthen cybersecurity rather than penalize him. Also, while at DSU, Philip worked at the Hillside Resort in Wentworth, South Dakota, about 10 miles from Madison. Philip recalled fondly the experience of working for Jody and Mike Anderson, who treated him like one of their family, calling it “one of the best jobs I ever had”.

Philip went on to a career in cybersecurity, working as a Database Security expert for Citigroup in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and then as a Risk Management expert in Citigroup’s Institutional Clients Group in New Jersey. Philip went on to work as a cybersecurity consultant for Ernst and Young in New York, supporting corporate clients across the country. At EY Philip continued to hone his expertise through collaborative projects for a variety of clients and enjoyed challenging and rewarding work. Philip 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, and from an early age often ventured into the wilderness on solo hikes and camping trips. As young as middle school, Philip often took solitary camping trips to Farm Island, sometimes even in wintertime, digging a shelter in a snowbank. His independent spirit was nurtured by his father, who served some years as Scoutmaster Scout Master of Troop 27 and supported Philip’s solo adventures by giving him the freedom to fend for himself, perhaps secretly looking in on him once or twice overnight from the campground parking lot. Philip achieved the Zero Hero Scouting Award 7 times, an award given for completing cold weather survival and overnight camping in sub-zero conditions. He spent many hours outdoors in his early childhood, gardening with his mother and later working on his grandfather’s ranch which gave him a deep connection to and love of nature. Philip also enjoyed international travel. He made several visits to see his brother and sister in Japan and also took a trip to Berlin, Germany which he fondly recalled from his time at EY. It must surely have been his friendly outgoing nature that scored him an invitation to a Halloween party at a nightclub with Berliners, turning an otherwise typical business trip into yet another adventure.

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 was an avid reader throughout his life, and cited his early childhood hours spent with his mother at Rawlins Municipal Library in Pierre as the source of his love for the written word, and the generous tutoring of Stanley County school teacher Larry Giddings, which gave him a passion for pursuing knowledge. He enjoyed organizing outdoor activities among his friend group: skydiving, camping and tubing excursions, Friendsgiving gatherings, and weekend getaways. He also enjoyed geocaching with his cousins, a hobby that appealed to his sense of adventure and exploration as well as the joy of spending time with family. Born significantly later than his siblings, Philip looked up to them. He consistently sought connection and advice from his older siblings and his drive for achievement reflected a desire to go far in life.

Philip loved nothing more than to enjoy a great meal and a movie with those he was close to. He was known among his friends and colleagues for his kindness and generosity. He 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 so many, the struggle with addiction in Philip’s life 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, Kathie 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.

He was preceded in death by his father David in 2006 and his sister Mary in 2009.

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