Donald Peter Fitzpatrick M.D.

1927 - 2024

Donald Peter Fitzpatrick, M.D.

Donald Peter Fitzpatrick, M.D., age 97 of North Kingstown, Rhode Island passed away peacefully on September 19, 2024.

Don was born on April 10, 1927 to Kathleen Mulholland Fitzpatrick and James Fitzpatrick of Providence, Rhode Island. After graduating from Lasalle Academy at age 17 in 1944, Don completed his freshman year at Providence College. He enlisted in the Navy on his 18th birthday. After his service, Don returned to Providence College and graduated in 1949. He graduated from Tufts University Medical School in June 1953, achieving his lifelong dream of becoming a physician. Don was an intern at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Providence, and then completed a cardiology fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. In June 1958 he returned to Providence and established his private practice in internal medicine and cardiology. Don had a distinguished forty year career and retired in 1996. During his career, he practiced at Rhode Island Hospital, Our Lady of Fatima Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital. He was Chief of Medicine at Our Lady Of Fatima Hospital for five years. Don was a clinical instructor at the Brown University School of Medicine for fifteen years. He published numerous papers in the field of cardiology. Don served as the President of the Providence Medical Association and the Rhode Island Society of Internal Medicine.

Don met Rita Kelley of South Providence in 1948 at a Dawn Dance in Narragansett, Rhode Island. They married on June 20, 1953. Together they raised six children in Providence. They shared a loving marriage that ended on November 27, 1988 with Rita's passing.

Don and Rita shared a passion for all things related to Providence College, but particularly for Providence College basketball. They held season's tickets for decades, starting with seats at Alumni Hall. Don was the physician for the Community of Dominican Friars at Providence College. He served as physician and Director of the Student Health Center. He received the Dominican Laudare Medal and the Faithful Friar Award presented by the Providence College National Alumni Association in recog-

nition of his dedication and service to the College. He was thrilled when a son and grandson chose to attend Providence College.

On January 4, 1991 Don married Geraldine Kiernan, another South Providence girl who had been close friends with Rita. Like Rita, Gerry also became a fan of Providence College basketball. Don and Gerry opened their hearts to each others children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary on January 4, 2024.

Don was a loving husband and wonderful father and grandfather. He was an unrepentant dessert appropriator and his grandchildren learned early on to avoid sitting next to Granddaddy with a bowl of ice cream. He was a source of unconditional love and support for his children and grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.

Don is survived by his wife Gerry Fitzpatrick of Warwick, Rhode Island. He is also survived by his children Donald Fitzpatrick (Anne) of Portland, Oregon, Mary Jean Crouter (Jerry) of Portland, Maine, Anne Fitzpatrick Laffey (Mark) of Walpole, Massachusetts, John Fitzpatrick (Margaret) of Wellesley, Massachusetts, daughter in law Jennifer Fitzpatrick (Peter) of Long Island, New York, and Sheila Plourde (Allen) of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. He is survived by twelve grandchildren, three great grandchildren, six stepchildren, twelve step-grandchildren and three step-great grandchildren. He is survived by his sister Maureen Clark of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

Don was predeceased by his wife Rita T. Fitzpatrick, his son Peter J. Fitzpatrick, and his brother James Fitzpatrick.

The family would like to thank the many wonderful caregivers who came to mean so much to Don and us all. These include (but are not limited to) Greg, Patrick and Eunice. We also would like to thank the caring staff at Greenwich Farms Assisted Living and Roberts Health Centre. We will always remember their kindness and commitment.

A funeral will be held Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 10 a.m. from the Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Bernard Church, 275 Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown at 11a.m. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence. Visiting Hours were on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 4-6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Providence College Office of Institutional Advancement.

Kindly visit the Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home online for service details and online condolences, www.TheQuinnFuneralHome.com.