Robert J. "Fitzi" Fitzpatrick

LUNENBURG - Robert J. "Fitzi" Fitzpatrick, 73, of Lunenburg, MA passed away on October 16 after a long illness.
Bob was born on March 19, 1949 to James E. Fitzpatrick and R. Lorraine (Flammia) Fitzpatrick in Winchester, MA. After graduating from Norwood High School in 1967, he attended Stonehill College, receiving a B.A. in History, and an M.Ed from Curry College.
Bob began his teaching career in 1973 for the Norwood Public Schools in Norwood, MA, teaching fifth grade at the F.A. Cleveland School, later joining the staff at C.M. Callahan School.
"Mr. Fitz" developed several programs during his teaching career for the enrichment of his students including "See the Possibilities." During Women's History Month, professional women from the area were invited to speak to the fifth grade girls to relate their experiences regarding educational and career choices. He worked for many years during the summer as a supervisor, counselor, and tutor at the Norwood Recreation Department's Camp Challenge program. In 1992, the Norfolk County Teachers' Association honored him with the Teacher of the Year award. In November 1997, he received the National Education Association Award at the NEA Student Program Connections Conference held in Louisville, KY. Bob retired in 2009 after serving as principal for the F. A. Cleveland School.
Bob believed strongly in giving back to the community, and served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Norwood Basketball Association and Norwood Little League, as well as a coach and referee. He was a proud member of the Big Brother Association of Greater Boston for several years.
Bob worked part time in the vitamin and herbal supplements department of Whole Foods Market in Wellesley and Dedham for many years. After moving to the Leominster area, he worked at Roots Natural Foods, sharing his knowledge and expertise of vitamins and herbal supplements.
Bob's passion for cars began when he was very young. He was a sports car enthusiast, owning several classic cars during his lifetime. He enjoyed reading, movies, music, and baseball.
Bob was a loyal friend and devoted family man. He often expressed gratitude for his beloved wife, son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, as well as the admiration and respect he had for his brother and sister and nieces and nephews. To all who knew Bob, he had a positive attitude and saw the good in everyone, being first to offer help to anyone in need. Bob was kind, generous, and had a lively sense of humor, always finding something to laugh about and having a story to tell. He made the world a happier place.
Bob is predeceased by his father. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Elaine; his son, John Palumbo; his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, and granddaughter, Evelyn; his mother, Lorraine Fitzpatrick of Winchester, MA and Kennebunkport, ME; his brother, John Fitzpatrick of Brunswick, ME; and his sister, Lanie Higgins of Winchester, MA and Centerville, MA; his nephews Jay Higgins of Arlington, MA; John Fitzpatrick of Bangor, ME; Thomas Fitzpatrick of Brunswick, ME; and Rhett Williams of Roxbury, VT, and his nieces Tricia Schmidt of North Andover; Jennifer Fitzpatrick of Brunswick, ME; Jill Jacobs of Freeport, ME; and Lynn Williams of Southborough, MA.
Services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Robert J. Fitzpatrick Memorial Scholarship, c/o Norwood Scholarship Foundation Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 112, Norwood, MA 02062, or norwood.dollarsforscholars.org