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Richard P. Fitzsimons
Richard P. Fitzsimons
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Richard Fitzsimons Obituary
Richard Fitzsimons, of Lynbrook, N.Y., kept his Irish roots well watered. For him, a visit to Ireland was going home, said Colleen, his daughter. He last saw Dublin in the summer, when he ate, drank and danced for 13 hours to celebrate a niece's wedding.
At home, he kept busy. In his job as a fire safety inspector at the World Trade Center, he conducted drills and planned evacuations. He was, Ms. Fitzsimons said, almost certainly "saving people right from the start."
Mr. Fitzsimons golfed and coached a working men's ice hockey team. He belonged to the Ancient Order of Hibernians and had studied Gaelic with Patricia, his wife.
At 57, he was keeping his life interesting by starting fresh. He was toying with the idea of another career as a guidance counselor or as a travel agent. Two years ago, he began taking piano lessons. He and his wife would spend evenings at home, singing old tunes while he played along.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cindy Roe
September 12, 2021
Remembering Richard on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
September 11, 2016
When we visited Ground Zero in 2006, as we looked at the names of those who were tragically killed, we noticed that we shared a last name with Richard.
We have thought of him over the years and just wanted you to know on this 15th anniversary that he is not forgotten.
Sincerely, Peter and Sheila Fitzsimons
Phyllis Tocci
September 11, 2016
I remember Richtie at Antioch. Antioch was a place many of us met at OLP in Lynbrook. We gathered and prayered. We talked...it was a safe haven. No matter who you were, where you came from...Ritchie lead us through his words and smiles to a loving and caring place. May God keep his family safe and protected. Ritchie is definitely an angel among Angels.
Sharon Botwinik
August 8, 2016
I work with Sean Fitzsimons, Richard's son and today learned about Richard's role and sacrifice on 9/11. My condolences to the family and friends of Richard - he sounded like a wonderful human being who undoubtedly helped save lives in his work at the WTC. I will be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers this 9/11 and in the future.
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Lou Csak
September 11, 2015
I worked with Dick in Internal Auditing at NYNEX all those years ago and on days like today, I have fond memories of us taking smoke breaks together, telling jokes and struggling with daily chores. Dick always had a smile for you and a twinkle in his eye when he was having you on about something. He has been and always will be missed. I remember his memorial service the church was packed with standing room only attesting to what a great guy Dick was. Rest in peace buddy.
Claire Rosser
May 26, 2015
My 15 year old daughter has just visited the memorial, she has sent me a video showing her dip her hand in the water and touch it across Richard's name whilst she shed a tear for the fallen. I looked up his name and came across this msg site. May his smile always shine down and warm your soul.
Terry Fitzsimmons
September 13, 2013
From all the comments I have read on this site re RIchard his was a life well lived loving,laughing,dancing
and being loved. Who could ask for more.
Tristan Devine
September 11, 2010
May the lord be with you always
anna cullen
September 10, 2010
we will never forget!
Chris FitzSimons
September 11, 2009
There was a brightness that he brought to this world that seems to be missing now that he has left us. I am richer for having known him. I am poorer for the time stolen – long talks that will never happen, and bad jokes not told. I am wiser for learning that people will not always be around as suites our timetable, and that some people can be terrible and cruel in their purpose; while others, like Richie, can be selfless and giving. I am not happy for this wisdom gained. I use to dream of being a hero complete with cape and cowl, but to wish to be a hero I’ve learned you are wishing for something to go wrong. That price is too high. My loss is painful, but my loss is small compared to that of others; and for them I pray even if I don’t know what to say.
Doug Abraham
July 24, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Joe DiDio
January 4, 2009
I knew this man well as I spent alot of time at his house with his son. Always a very funny and nice man. It's been many years since I have been to his house, but I always remember him on Sept 11th. God bless you in heaven and god bless your family.
Rob Keon
September 11, 2007
Rest in peace my friend
Your struggle in Life has come to an end
May the memory I have of you never die
It is just so long for now and not good bye
I remember you as caring, sensitive and loving too
I just wish I had the chance to say I Love You
To the Fitzsimons Family,
It has been several years since that fateful day, however the memories I have of your father and husband are still with me today.
May God bring you comfort today and everyday, and please know you are not alone in your grief.
Adam Glass
January 2, 2007
Mr. Fitz was a great guy and I'll always remember his and Pat's kindness towards me. The thing that I am most thankful for in knowing him was what a great dad he was. A father myself now I think of him often and how he was always loving and understanding with his kids. I hope I can be half the dad that he was. He was truly one of a kind.
Kristine
November 2, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
October 6, 2006
In memory....
Kevin Beyer
September 12, 2006
Dear Fitzsimons' Family,
I was shocked this 5th anniversary to hear and see Richie's name at the memorial. Your family was always a true inspiration as to how a family should be. I am proud to say I lived next door to one of the kindest people this world has ever seen. I will always remember his smile and sense of calm. I hope you are all well.
John Richard Fitzsimons
September 11, 2006
To The Fitzsimons Family:
I am not related, but on this day we are all connected. You will be in my prayers.
Debbie FitzSimons
September 11, 2006
I love Uncle Richie like he was my own father-in-law. My husband lost, not only an uncle that day, but much much more. I love Uncle Richie and Aunt Pat to the deepest part of my heart and till this day I still feel he's going to be there when I visit NY. We miss him something awful and feel conforted that he is in a better place. Love to Aunt Pat who is, I'm sure, not of this earth this very day. Hope she is among family because we can not be with her today.
Christine Schult
September 6, 2006
I am participating in a project where 2996 bloggers are each posting a tribute for a victim of 9-11.
Here is my tribute post for Rich.
Peter Fitzsimons
September 22, 2005
I never knew Richard but he inspires me today.
Peter Fitzsimons
Part-time Firefighter
Maureen Horn
September 17, 2004
To the Fitzsimons family:
I met Richard Fitzsimons only once to my recollection, but I have heard many wonderful things about him. My father was a good friend of his, and he has nothing but kind words and fond memories to share.
My brother was also killed that day, so I trust he is keeping "Richie" good company with plenty of laughs.
I wanted to post this to say that I hope you are doing well. God bless you always.
Maureen Horn
Janice Germain (Forte)
September 11, 2003
To The Fitzsimons Family
My thoughts go out to you today on the second anniversary of your loss. You are in my prayers today and everyday. I went to O.L.P with Colleen.
You are in my thoughts and prayers always Janice
Janice & Ken Fitzsimons
September 11, 2003
Thoughts are with your family every day.
Ken & Janice Fitzsimons
Gayle Longoria
September 15, 2002
Dear Fitzsimons' family and friends;
I attend and am also on staff at University United Methodist Church in San Antonio. Our church observed three remembrance services on Sept. 11 this year. There were over 2,000 people who attended. At this service we passed out cards to the congregation, each card having the name of one victim of the 9-11 attacks. Each person who took a card agreed to pray for that victim's family and friends for a year. I took Mr. Fitzsimons's name, and I will be praying for all of you for the next year. I cannot begin to imagine the pain of losing a cherished husband, father, and friend. I pray that each of you feels the strength and comfort of God as well the support and many, many prayers of millions of people literally around the world. God bless.
Deirdre Elliott
September 15, 2002
Richie
It's a year later...
I will always remember you. You sat behind me in piano class. You were a wonderful cheery person and helped us all out with the recording feature in class.
I pray for you and your family, I am Irish also and I know you are watching us in each piano class we have now.
God Bless you
Deirdre
LISA POLANCO
September 11, 2002
DEAR FITZSIMONS FAMILY,
I DID NOT KNOW YOUR FATHER, BUT I KNOW YOU. I KNOW YOU'LL GET THREW THIS WITH THE HELP OF GOD
AND YOUR FRIENDS. YOU ARE A GREAT PERSON ,YOU TAUGHT ME I COULD DO ANYTHING I WANT. I WILL ALWAYS BE HERE FOR YOU.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR MOTHER AND LOVE ONES.
I LOVE YOU....
YOUR FRIENDS ALWAYS
LISA POLANCO
Frank D'Aleo
September 11, 2002
I did not have the privilige of ever meeting Mr. Fitzsimons, but I am a friend of his daughter, Colleen.
To Colleen and her family my heart felt condolences on this, the first anniversary of the attacks. I hope the fact that he gave his life helping others and is one of the heroes of that terrible day will help assuage the boundless grief you are feeling.
You are in my thoughts and prayers,
Frank
Anonymous
September 10, 2002
It's almost a year since 9/11 and there's never a day we don't think about you. You will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts and prayers. God Bless you and your entire Family...
David Boyle
September 4, 2002
To all the family...
I never met richard, but my mum was at the wedding in dublin and remembered him straight away. Our thoughts are always with you, here in london and the rest of the clan in dublin. God Bless.
Peter Hyland
August 21, 2002
I remember our vacations in Maine.
Trying to find the words that I want to day but its hard.
Lets just say when I go to work and see the WTC site, I think of you and the good times that we had on those vacations.
Pete Hyland
Walter & Mary Markowski
May 26, 2002
Dear Rich, We will never forget your smile, your laugh, your good spirits, your courage. You are my friend, my confidant, my brother. I love you and will miss you until we meet again in God's love.
Helen Daly
May 16, 2002
I never knew Mr. Fitzsimons, but somehow I know the music is better in heaven now. God Bless You.
carolyn /angelika celler /barberia
May 7, 2002
PAT AND FAMILY:
RICHIE WILL ALWAYS BE IN "OUR HEARTS"
LOVE TO YOU ALL
"CC" AND ANGELIKA
CRYSTAL POINTE
Jim Brady
May 2, 2002
I want to express my sincere condolences to the Fitzsimons family.
I was in Tower 2 on the 40th floor on September 11. I was the fire warden for the floor and I had the uncommon privilege of meeting Mr. Fitzsimons and being warmed, for too few occasions during the work year, by his presence. At least once a week, usually in the morning, the phone on my desk would ring, and the cheery voice of Mr. Fitzsimons would greet me. That told me he was diligent, but the moments of banter that followed, from a man I hardly knew, told me he was a man whose life was happy, whose heart was light. He conducted the last fire drill I attended, and as always, he made his points with an earnest goodness and a word of good cheer to me at the end.
I listened.
God rest the soul of a good man.
your friends at crystal pointe
April 27, 2002
RICHIE WAS A NEIGHBOR AND FRIEND. HE GAVE MUCH TO OUR SMALL COMMUNITY. AND WILL BE DEARLY MISSED BY ALL.
Karen Vasquez
April 19, 2002
Uncle Richie, You taught people how to live just by living. I learned so much from you spiritually. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Karen
Kalana Fitzsimons
April 11, 2002
My heart and prayers are with you and your family.
We are Irish strong!!!!!
Charles Costa
January 22, 2002
Hi Fitzy:
I remember the last time we spoke, about a year ago. The day before, my wife Dolores, also lost, called me and said, "guess who I just met? I said who, she said Fitzy. Fitzy, how did you meet Fitzy?" Well it seems that you were Dolores' Fire Safety Director on the 93rd floor of Tower 1 and Dolores was her Compnay's Fire Warden. Dolores said you saw her name on her ID and you said "Charlie Costa" Dolores was shocked, then he introduced him self. That was somthing else. We spoke the next day and I was so happy to hear that after we left NYNEX that you were finally doing somthing that you wanted to do for your whole life. I know you must have been working very hard trying to save people on September 11th, because that is what you did. May God have mercy on you and your family. And thank you for being my friend and a co-worker at NYNEX and for being a friend to my wife.
Sincerly,
Your friend, Charlie Costa
Anonymous
January 18, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS
BEAUTIFUL MAN RICHARD P.FITZSIMONS
AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH
GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS
FAMILY AND FRIENDS..MAY HE BE SINGING WITH THE ANGELS..GOD BLESS
AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS IRELAND AND ITS
GOOD PEOPLE...AMEN
David Carfolite
January 15, 2002
You leave an outstanding legacy for us to follow, and a great daughter who will carry your life's spark in her heart.
Wachsmuth Family
January 13, 2002
Rest in Peace Richard. Patty, you are in our thoughts and prayers always.
Teresa Jahn
January 1, 2002
What a warm and loving image of Richard playing the piano while others sang. We thank Richard for all he did to help save and protect others. May Richard's life and love live on in those who love him. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Stefhanie Howe
December 8, 2001
Dear Fitzsimons Family,
Please know that I think of your family often and that you will remain in my prayers during this holiday season. God bless you all.
Musser Hall @ Ursinus College
December 5, 2001
We wanted to tell you that we all are in sorrow and believe that you are resting in peace.
Tracy Madigan
November 24, 2001
Dear Mrs.Fitzsimons and family,
My name is Tracy Madigan and I wear a Mercy B.A.N.D. that bears the name of your husband. I just wanted to let you know that I pray for you and your family daily. May you and your family find peace and comfort in the Lord. Sincerely, Tracy
Catherine Ford
November 12, 2001
Dear Ms. Fitzsimons and family,
My name is Catherine and I live in New Mexico. I'm writing to let you know that I wear a Mercy B.A.N.D. bearing the name of Richard Fitzsimons. I want you all to know that I pray for you every day. May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand. God bless you all.
In Christ,
Catherine Ford
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