Michael F. Fitzpatrick Sr.

Michael F. Fitzpatrick Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and man of deep faith, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. He was the proud father of nine children, foster parent of 9, grandfather of 26 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, with 2 more great-grandchildren joyfully anticipated.

Michael "Mickey" was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth "Betty" (McNamara) Fitzpatrick, who passed away in 2007. Their enduring love remained the foundation of his entire life.

Born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania in 1933, Michael was the son of late John J. Fitzpatrick and Margaret V. (Conley) Fitzpatrick and brother of the late Rosemarie Daly, Bradenton, FL; the late John (Jack) Fitzpatrick of Madison, WI; the late Peggy Fitzpatrick, Pottsville, PA.; the late Joseph Fitzpatrick, Pottsville, PA; the late BettyJean Sullivan, Trooper, PA; and the late Kathleen Morgans, Charleston, SC.

He carried lifelong pride in his Coal Region roots from Pottsville, PA.- a pride that shaped his values, work ethic, and strong sense of community. He was a graduate of Pottsville Catholic High School and earned his bachelor's degree from Villanova University, later receiving his Master of Business Administration from Lehigh University.

Michael proudly served his country during the Korean War, serving honorably in both the US Navy and US Marine Corps. He enlisted in March 1953 and was discharged in March 1961.

A Certified Public Accountant, Michael dedicated the majority of his professional career to Pennsylvania Power & Light Company in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He served as Tax Manager in the Financial Department and retired in 1995. Following his retirement Michael and Betty travelled throughout the US including many of the National Parks. They also enjoyed trips throughout Great Britain, the Caribbean, France, Spain, Italy, the Greek Islands, Peru and five trips to their beloved Ireland. Michael also enjoyed his family vacations to the Jersey Shore, 60 consecutive years this past summer. Besides travel, Michael continued to volunteer his financial/tax expertise to St. Joseph of Limeport, a parishioner since 1972.

Michael was a lifelong golfer and enjoyed the game well into his eighties. Michael was also an avid sports fan whose loyalties never wavered. He was a dedicated supporter and sometimes coach of his children's sports teams throughout their school years. He watched or attended most Notre Dame football games, was a long time Villanova season ticket holder for both basketball and football and then, through Betty's passion, evolved into a loyal fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. Additionally, he was a fervent advocate of the rightful NFL champion of 1925, the Pottsville Maroons.

Michael took immense pride in his Irish heritage and was known for his love of reading, quick wit, sharp intellect, kind heart, and a remarkable gift for storytelling, a gift he ultimately captured in his autobiography, Providential Journey. His faith guided every aspect of his life and shaped his values, service, and love of family, especially for his beloved wife Betty, whom he missed dearly every day.

Michael is survived by his nine loving children: Michael Fitzpatrick Jr. and his wife Karen, Verona, NJ; Timothy Fitzpatrick and his wife Peggy, Harleysville, PA; Kathleen Joyce and her husband Stephen, Center Valley, PA; Megan Fitzpatrick, Center Valley, PA; Brian Fitzpatrick and his wife Kathleen, Cinnaminson, NJ; Colleen Fitzpatrick and husband John Kohl (dec. 2021), Raleigh, NC; Maureen Baraky and her husband David, Duxbury, MA; Sean Fitzpatrick and his wife Catherine, Derwood, MD; Bridget Drake and her husband Adam, Center Valley, PA.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren, who were a constant source of pride and joy. They lovingly referred to him as "Grand Mick".

Michael F. Fitzpatrick Sr. leaves behind a legacy that will continue through generations. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Services: A viewing will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 225 Elm Street, Emmaus PA. An additional viewing will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026 from 10 to 10:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 5050 St. Joseph's Road, Coopersburg PA 18036.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of his favorite charities: https://columban.org/

-Columban Fathers www.columban.org

-Carmelite Monastery- Lanark Rd. Center Valley www.carmelite-nuns.com