Francis Fitzpatrick

Francis G. Fitzpatrick, II, J.D., 90, of New Philadelphia passed away in his home September 14, 2015 under the care of Community Hospice following a period of declining health.

Born in New Philadelphia on October 2, 1924, he was the son of the late Francis G. and Emma Elizabeth (Egli) Fitzpatrick.

After graduating from New Philadelphia High School in 1942, Fitz honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps, receiving the Purple Heart. When he returned from service, Fitz continued his formal education at Notre Dame completing his undergraduate studies in 1948. Then, his education culminated at Case Western University Law School in 1951 where he received his Juris Doctor.

Fitz and his childhood friend, the late Donald Zimmerman, returned to New Philadelphia and founded Fitzpatrick and Zimmerman Law Firm in 1951. Fitz served his community and clients with honesty, fairness, and thoroughness until his retirement in 2005.

Fitz was united in marriage with his devoted wife of 57 years, the former Patricia “Pat” Dillon in August of 1958 in the former St. Elizabeth’s Church at Roswell.

He dedicated and volunteered much of his time to the community having served on boards and holding memberships with the New Phila Kiwanis Club, the Knights of Columbus, the Chamber of Commerce, Union Country Club, as well as the BFOE #510. He was also the New Philadelphia City Solicitor when Wabash Avenue was extended.

Throughout his lifetime, Fitz enjoyed reading and spending many days on the golf course. He was also a faithful and active father, husband, grandfather, and friend.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Pat; his children, Stephanie (Scott) Vinci of New Philadelphia, Michael Fitzpatrick of Los Angeles, California, and Martin Fitzpatrick of New York, New York; his grandchildren, Emily, Alexander, and Mitchell Milleman; his sister-in-law, Gloria Dillon of New Philadelphia; and his brothers-in-law, William (Maxine) Dillon of Uhrichsville and Robert (Martha) Dillon of New Philadelphia.

In addition to his parents, Fitz was preceded in death by an infant son, Stephen; his brother, Larry; and his infant brother, Charles.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. with a Christian Wake Service beginning at 7:45 pm. Father Jeff Coning will celebrate Mass of Christian Burial in Sacred Heart Church on Friday beginning at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment will follow in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia where the New Phila VFW Post #1445 will render military honors.

Friends and family are invited to the Geib Family Center following the committal service for a luncheon.

Memorial contributions in Fitz’s memory may be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, Sacred Heart Church, 139 3rd NE, New Phila., or the Movers and Shakers, C/O Mark’s Place, 715 Cookson Ave SE, New Phila.