Published in the July 27, 2017 edition.
VENICE, FL — John F. Fitzpatrick, 88, of Venice, Florida formerly of Wakefield, passed away Tuesday, July 25, at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading.
He had recently moved back to Wakefield and was residing at his son Steven’s home for the past few months with the intentions of staying in his hometown of Wakefield permanently.
Born in Wakefield on May 22, 1929, John was raised and educated in Wakefield and was a graduate of the Boston Trade Technical School. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard on his 17th birthday.
John served his country from June 12, 1946, During World War II, to June 16, 1949. During his time in the Coast Guard John continued his education in electronics. After he completed his service to the country John opened ABC TV on Water Street in 1955 and was the owner operator for over 20 years. He spent the later part of his working career in the construction field.
John was a devoted husband and father who spent his life ensuring the safety and well-being of his family. He enjoyed the pleasure of sharing 67 years of marriage with his loving wife Alice.
John was a dedicated golfer who never missed a chance to play, and when not playing would watch golf, talk golf, and plan for the next golf outing. He was an avid hockey fan who got great pleasure watching his children play and later in life watching his grandchildren’s games. John also enjoyed times spent fishing with his sons and daughter.
Mr. Fitzpatrick had been retired and living in Florida for the past 18 years.
He is survived by his wife Alice C. (McLaughlin) Fitzpatrick; his four sons: Gary Fitzpatrick of Warwick, RI; John and Andrea of Dana Point, CA; Robert Fitzpatrick of Lawrence, Steven and Karen Fitzpatrick of Wakefield and his daughter Sandra Fitzpatrick and Jose Ortiz of Nokomis, FL. Mr. Fitzpatrick is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Steven and Jarrod of Wakefield, who he lived with, Jonathan, USCG, Ryan of DC, John Gary and Kate of Rhode Island, Caleigh, Michael of Melrose, Kerri of Lawrence, Lindsay and Casey of Haverhill. He is also survived by his stepbrother, Donald Fitzpatrick and his wife Kathy of Peabody, and his stepsister, Susan Walsh of Florida.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield on Saturday at 10 a.m. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Friday from 4-7 p.m.
