Father John Joseph Fitzpatrick

I had such a wonderful relationship with Father Fitz. When I first met him, I feared his presence. But we became good friends and colleagues and I communicated with him after he retired. However, we lost contact. I truly loved him.

God has blessed you Fr. Fitz and happily you are with Him now. We know the McBride Family misses Fr. greatly and so do we, the Real family. Thanks Beth and Herb for keeping us informed during these past few years.

What a special man of God! I remember when he first came to Augusta, GA and my family (Reals) found out that he was to teach at Aquinas. He came over and spent time with us before the school year. I was a junior that year. My junior class (which included Bill O'Leary, Mary Ellen McCarthy and others) started the drama club. He left a mark on us and gave us our first exposure to plays. I won't forget mass with him at 7:30am, time at his apartment with my classmates, and other wonderful times....

Finally at rest in Gods kingdom.

I want to let all those in Atlanta know our parish is going to having a memorial service for my uncle soon. If you know of people in the area you can give them my information. If you'd like the date, please contact me. He loved all of you dearly.

My good friend Kathleen Anderson (Real) was kind enough to share with me about Father Fitz going home to be with our Lord. Although I was in Augusta for only a short time, 32 years later my friendship with Kathleen and her family continues to this day. The memories I have of my time at Aquinas still warm me inside, and Father Fitz has a lot to do with that. Even now as I think of him it makes me smile. Father Fitz had me as a student for 1 year.....31 years ago, and yet, I can recall him...

You are a rich man, Tevye.

You touched many lives and I am grateful.

Father Fitzpatrick will be membered by all he touched with great fondness. He was one of the best teachers we had at Mount de Sales.

Father Fitzpatrick performed last rites and burial rites for my sister years ago while he was himself so physically ill that he could barely stand up. He insisted on it. That is how devoted he was to his calling. He and I shared the witnessing of God's saving grace of my sister together, something I will never forget. I will always treasure my interaction with him and I am sure that heaven has opened wide it's gates in preparation for him.