In Memory: Patti Neske, Colleague and Friend

Patti Neske, a longtime staff member of the American Booksellers Association, died on January 27, 2011 after a long illness. She was 41.

Patti began working at ABA as part of the BookSense.com customer service team. She was most recently special projects manager for ABA’s Membership and Marketing Department. Throughout her illness, Patti displayed a courage and grace that was an inspiration to all of her co-workers and friends.

Prior to joining ABA, Patti worked for the Putnam Book Center in Carmel and for Books and Things in Briarcliff Manor, New York. Patti was also a talented artist and photographer, whose work brought joy to her family and many friends.

“Patti approached everything in her life with quiet dignity and strength,” said Len Vlahos, ABA COO. “From her tireless efforts on behalf of indie booksellers, to her incredible art and photography projects, to the love she showed her friends and family. She will be sorely missed.”

Patti is survived by her husband, Gregory; her mother, Carol Odoardi; brothers Tommy (Valerie) Meehan, Eddie Odoardi, Raymond Girvalo, and Tommy Girvalo; and sister Sherri Oakley.

Family and friends are gathering to remember Patti on Thursday, February 3, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Leach & Thomas, Inc. in Ossining, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations to Graymoor or the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation are suggested.