HAVERTOWN, PA - Patrick Wellman VanderVeen formerly of West Chester, died unexpectedly Jan. 24, 2018 of complications from pneumonia at Lankenau Medical Center. The son of Jane E. VanderVeen and the late Russell J. VanderVeen, Patrick was born in Grand Haven, Mich., Oct. 25, 1948. After he spent his childhood in Michigan, he and his family moved to Connecticut and then to Delaware, where he graduated from Holy Cross High School. He received a BS in Psychology from Delaware State University and did postgraduate work at University of Delaware.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his partner and wife, Laurie A. Rofini; son Russell VanderVeen of Baltimore, Md.; daughter, Elizabeth VanderVeen (Jon Benson) of Frederick, Md.; granddaughters, Lola VanderVeen, Lucy VanderVeen, and McKenna Benson of Frederick, Md.; sisters, Linda Price of Lewes, Del. and Katrina Eichler (Thomas) of Camden, Del.; former wife, Pamela VanderVeen of Baltimore, Md.; and her son, Martin McIsaac and his family (wife Emily, children Trent and Megan) of Milford, Del.; his father-in-law, Raymond L. Rofini of Newtown Square, Pa.; as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his brother, David VanderVeen and brother-in-law Warren Price.
Over the span of his career he successfully planned, managed, and implemented systems for sharing information across agencies and jurisdictions of state and local governments. From 1984-1998 he was the Data Administrator/Fiscal Officer for the Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS) where he played a central role in implementing one of the most integrated statewide justice information systems in the nation. As a result of his accomplishments in Delaware, he was appointed a Director at Maximus, Inc. where he applied his expertise to improve information sharing in other states. He retired in 2009 after 3 years as Courts Area Manager for the County of Chester. In retirement he volunteered at Chester County Historical Society, providing technical support and advice.
For all who knew and loved him, Patrick was known for his consummate knowledge of diverse topics, his quick wit, and his love of family. His presence will be sorely missed. He was the person that everyone relied on. He was always willing to help and his advice was sound and thoughtful. He loved books, music, writing, making up songs and stories for his granddaughters, fountain pens, Dr. Who, Harry Potter, hiking, bicycling, and puttering with technology and hand tools. He enjoyed cooking and baking for family and friends. He was good at all of it. In retirement he was a proud and loving grandfather who happily cared for his granddaughters within their home during their pre-school years.
Memorial contributions may be made to Chester County Historical Society, 225 North High Street, West Chester, PA 19380. Services will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by J. Nelson Rigby Funeral Home, Media, PA. Condolences: jnelsonrigbyfh.com