Kenneth Lee "Kenny" Fitzpatrick

Kenneth Lee Fitzpatrick, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, March 21, with visitation from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m., at Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home, 427 South Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas, Kentucky. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Southgate, Kentucky. Born in Hazard, Kentucky, on May 1, 1942, Kenny was the son of the late Kathleen (Phillips) Fitzpatrick and James Benjamin Fitzpatrick, Jr. He graduated from Hazard High School in 1961, and soon after, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. As a proud member of the 1st Infantry Division- "The Big Red One", Kenny served with distinction in Vietnam until 1966, earning numerous medals and honors, including the Combat Infantryman's Good Conduct Medal and the Vietnam Service Marksman Medal. After his military service, Kenny returned to his hometown of Hazard, where he met and married the love of his life, Sara Ann (Cochran) Fitzpatrick, in 1967. Together, they built a strong and loving family, raising three daughters and later welcoming nine cherished grandchildren. Kenny worked for Kentucky River Coal Corporation for 38 years, dedicating himself to a lifetime of hard work and service. If you knew Kenny, you knew he had the heart of a servant. For more than 50 years, he was a proud volunteer fireman for the Hazard Fire Department, forming lifelong bonds with his fellow firefighters. Many mornings, he could be found making coffee for the men at the firehouse - always ready to lend a hand, share a story, or offer a word of encouragement. Kenny was also deeply committed to the youth of Hazard. He volunteered as a Little League Football coach and Hazard High School Football coach for over 20 years, impacting the lives of countless young people. He was often seen driving players to and from practices, helping them with schoolwork, and even accompanying them to doctor's appointments as far away as Lexington - always there when someone needed him. His dedication to young people didn't stop there. As a father of three daughters, Kenny found his way into coaching girls basketball, supporting the Hazard cheerleading squads, and proudly serving as the "Video dad" for practices and competitions. He rolled his sleeves up to help with fundraising for their trips to camps and national competitions, embodying selflessness and generosity that touched so many lives. Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, James Benjamin Fitzpatrick, Jr. and Kathleen (Phillips) Fitzpatrick, as well as his brother, James Benjamin Fitzpatrick III. He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Sara Ann Fitzpatrick (Cochran); three daughters, Kristi L. Bowman (Tom), Kendra L. Allen (Nolan), and Kara A. Petersen; and nine grandchildren, Matt Bowman (Sydney), Nick Bowman, Adam Bowman, Zachary Walters, Kevin Allen, Lauren Allen, Emma Petersen, Seth Petersen, and Kate Petersen. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Kay Kennedy Fitzpatrick, and a host of extended family and treasured friends. Kenny's love, stories, and positive influence will live on in all who knew him. His legacy of service, kindness, and dedication to family and community will never be forgotten. Memorial contributions may be made in Kenny's honor to the Hazard Football Program, P.O. Box 766, Hazard, Kentucky 41702.Arrangements are under the care of Dobbling, Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home. Online Condolences can be given at dmefuneral.com