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John Phillip Fitzpatrick
1944 - 2024
John Phillip Fitzpatrick Obituary
Born July 12, 1944 in Traverse City Michigan, the only child of Francis James and Blanche Elizabeth (Boyer) Fitzpatrick. John grew up in Midland Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University. He married Carol (Dudek) Fitzpatrick. Upon his graduation from The Illinois College of Optometry, John and family settled in Saginaw Michigan where he owned a private optometry practice for 16 years. During those years John was awarded a Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry, served as President of The Michigan Optometric Association, served as President of North Central States Optometric Council and was named Optometrist of the Year in 1986 by the Michigan Optometric Association and received The Illinois College of Optometry's Humanitarian award.
In 1987 the family moved to Solana Beach California and John eventually owned private practices in San Diego, Vista and Carlsbad. John became the founder of a vision charity called Operation Clear Vision dedicated to aid military family dependents.
John is survived by his beloved wife Carol Gail Fitzpatrick, married 56 years, his children John P II (Youngsun) Fitzpatrick, Jennifer Fitzpatrick, and his grandchildren, Collin, Lyah, Lindsey, and Braden Fitzpatrick.
In keeping with John's wishes cremation and a private family memorial mass and inurnment took place at The Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, California on the day that would have been John's 80th birthday, July 12, 2024.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Phillip Fitzpatrick
Yvonne M Kwapis, O.D.
December 26, 2024
Dear Carol and family
I was a patient of Dr. Fitzpatrick in Saginaw, Michigan from 1973-1986.With each annual exam, he made the experience too fascinating. One day I asked if he would write my letter of recommendation to enter the Illinois College of Optometry. Graduating in 1991,after practicing in Ohio I returned to Michigan in1996. I saw him and his father in Mt. Pleasant after a CMU homecoming game. Boys night out he said, it was a rare meeting, met his Dad and 6 weeks later saw him and his family at his Dad's funeral in Midland. Dr. John couldn't believe I would be at the funeral home but it was important to pay my respects after just meeting them both 6 weeks ago. He was an awesome practitioner and just had "a way about him" that was so captivating. It was that captivating personality that propelled me to become an optometrist. After all he made the job look so easy....little did I know all the work to come getting through school and owning my own practice in Michigan. I'm very sorry for your loss. I'm glad I was able to know him.
Be assured of my continued prayers for your family.
Yvonne M. Kwapis, OD Saginaw, MI
Jennifer Fitzpatrick
August 3, 2024
Thank you friends and family for your kind thoughts and words. Over the past years my father has repeated how grateful he was for the friends he had made. He found much enjoyment in keeping up and trying to spend as much time possible with every one. Though he is gone, his memory will live on.
Bill Dansby
August 3, 2024
John was an outstanding president of the Michigan Optometric Association as well as a very good friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him! Carol, please know that I am thinking of you and your family at this time of deep sorrow. Sincerely, Bill Dansby, former executive director of the Michigan Optometric Association.
Angela Dansby
August 3, 2024
Dear Carol, John, Jennifer and family,
My heartfelt condolences about John's passing. I will always remember him for his positive attitude, enthusiasm and kindness -- qualities that I witnessed for at least 40 years growing up in the Michigan optometric family. John was always one of my dad's favorite colleagues and friends with whom he saw "eye to eye." As an adult, I considered John a friend, too. It was a pleasure meeting him and you, Carol, when I was in San Diego in 2012. I was hoping to see you both again this November when I return to your city. (Carol, I would be delighted to see you then.) My deepest sympathy on the loss of a wonderful person. Sending you all big virtual hugs from Brussels ...
Love, Angela Dansby (Bill Dansby's daughter)
Bob Riedy
August 2, 2024
Condolences to Carol, John II, Jennifer and Fitz's grandchildren. We met in 1963 at MSU and were buddies for the next 4 years - fond memories from Freshman year to the 1966 Rose Bowl where he met Carol, the parties that followed, being in each others weddings - many, many great times. I'm only sad we settled a continent apart but glad I got to see him last year.
Diane Dudek
August 2, 2024
John and Carol are a beautiful couple. I wish we could have seen more of them. It´s very sad, but I am here for you Carol.
Chuck Brownlow
August 2, 2024
Very sad to hear of John’s passing. We were classmates at ICO and did all we could to help each other stay sane during those four years.
Lindsey Unger
August 2, 2024
Carol, I´m so sorry to hear about John´s passing. I loved getting to know him, and seeing him light up when talking about his family and Michigan football. He was a gem of a human.
Charles J Fitzpatrick
August 2, 2024
Carol and family. So sorry to hear about John´s passing. So many family times come to mind when we were kids growing up in Michigan. Although we didn´t see each other often, that family bond was always there. We did get into trouble a few times and our fathers (who were brothers) wanted to pull their
hair out with frustration. I think we got some paddling also. He will be sorely missed and I´m sorry we were not able to get together more often. God bless you and your family.
John´s cousin, Charles (Chuck) Fitzpatrick
Roy Skaff
August 1, 2024
John was the very first friend I had when we moved here from Los Angeles. We join Morgan Run which started many rounds of memorable golf together. Coffee meetings and much more golf ensued where we shared our life experiences together. I feel lucky to have had these times with John. --Roy Skaff
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