Jeffrey Alan Work, 71 years old, of Independence, KY, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on April 21, 2026 in hospice care in Edgewood, KY.

Jeff was born and raised in Erie, PA where he enjoyed growing up in the 50’s and 60’s in true “wonder years” fashion, and where he first met (while working at McDonalds) and married his wife of 51 years, Nancy (Karpinski) Work. Together the newlyweds ventured to Kansas City, MO so Jeff could attend the Kansas City Art Institute. He graduated from KCAI in1977 with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, and from there he held many positions throughout the years as an Award Winning Graphic Designer. Starting in Ponca City, Oklahoma, where he and Nancy had their first daughter, then in Lexington, KY, where they had their more beautiful second daughter, and then in Cincinnati/NKY where they finally settled to raise their family. Jeff’s talent and creativity was beyond comparison. His artwork was most enjoyed and remembered by his family through the hand made “WorKards” he would create and give for special occasions. These cards were even displayed in an Art gallery to honor him and celebrate his 60th birthday.

Jeff loved art, music, puns, traveling, doing the crossword, having a good beer, and above all his family. He made many trips back to Erie over the years to visit loved ones and shared the love of his childhood home with his Girls and Grandchildren.

He enjoyed golfing and playing guitar, playing the games with his grandkids, and he was a faithful community member of St. Barbara’s Catholic Church. He supported and was proud of his family no matter what. He was in the front row of every game, match, meet, bout, show, dance, or ceremony his daughters and grandkids were ever a part of.

His kindness, creativity, humor and love were an inspiration to all who met him.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, 2 Favorite daughters, Jessica Work (John Deaton) and Tiffany Terry (Josh Terry), 4 Grandchildren, Ava and Alexander Work-Deaton and Beatrix and Kentucky Terry, his fat cat Louie, and his sister Janet Gillies and 3 brothers Bob (Paul Borella), Mark (Beth) and Daniel Work. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Robert and Eilleen Work, his sister Linda Cristea and her husband John Cristea, His Brother in Law Chuck Gillies, His nieces Emily Dorsey and Desiree Cody, Nephews Jamie Work and Nathan Gillies, and His sister in law Debbie Work.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at St. Barbara Catholic Church, 4042 Turkeyfoot Rd. Erlanger, KY 41018. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 AM. Jeff will be laid to rest privately at the convenience of the family at Independence Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his name to St. Elizabeth Hospice by clicking here. However, if you do wish to send flowers, we encourage you to order with A New Leaf Florist by visiting their website or by calling 859-581-8700.