John Joseph Fitzpatrick's Obituary
John Joseph Fitzpatrick, 87 of Dunedin, Fl., died November 9, 2015. He was born May 30, 1928 in Bridgeport, Conn., To John and Mary Fitzpatrick. After graduating from high school, he joined the Merchant Marines and transported P.O.Ws to and from Germany. He then attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, becoming the regimental commander, his senior year. After graduating, he married Elizabeth Leisk, December 29, 1951. He attended M.I.T. and received a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering in June, 1954.
He assisted in designing the coolant system for the 2nd nuclear sub, Seawolf. He later moved his family to the jungle of Sumatra, where he engineered an oil pipeline. When he returned to the US, he joined G.E and became a computer programmer. In 1968, he moved the family to Milan, Italy and was a project manager for International Data Transmission. He moved back to the states and eventually settled in Island Estates, Clearwater, Fl.
John spent the last years of his career as a sales manager for Honeywell. He enjoyed sailing and in a few years, dominated the local sailing seen with his 23’ Irwin “ELF”.
After retirement, John and Betsy moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico and then to St. Thomas, USVI. They eventually returned to Florida. They traveled extensively to Europe, Russia, China, Africa, as well as enjoying several cruises.
John was preceded by his wife, Elizabeth and son, Michael. He is survived by daughters, Dr. E. Christine (Tom) Keating of Milwaukee WI.; Kathi Fitzpatrick of Dunedin, Fl.; Cindy Ledelmeyer of Dunedin, FL; son, Timothy(Jennifer) Fitzpatrick of Dunedin; grandsons, Charles of Milwaukee and Ryan of Cincinnati; brothers, Jim (Bea) of Pa. and Peter of Mass.
John was an extraordinary man of great intellect, wisdom and faith. He could be seen walking daily in downtown Dunedin or at Our Lady of Lourdes. His last several years, He lived at Mease Manor in Dunedin, where he set up a laboratory and grew Shitake mushrooms.
John will be greatly missed. He is with his beloved “Bella” together in Heaven.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic church in Dunedin on December 12th at 12:00 noon. Military Honors will be at Bay Pines VA Cemetery on Monday, December 14, at 10:45 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John's memory to the Humane Society of Pinellas.
http://humanesocietyofpinellas.org/
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