Obituary of Timothy A. Fitzpatrick

Timothy A Fitzpatrick, age 75, passed away peacefully August 21, 2024 after a brief illness. Beloved husband of 55 years to Terri (Sullivan). Loving father to Kelly Thorp (Edward) and doting Papa to his granddaughters Regan and Ryan. Brother to Mike (Sherry), Dan (Nancy) and Jerry (Janet). He is also survived by 33 nieces and nephews and 56 great nieces and nephews, as well a great number of special extended family and dear friends.  He was preceded in death by his son-in-law Edward, sister Mary Anne, brothers John and James, parents Timothy and Kathleen, as well as in-laws Lawrence and Florence Sullivan.

 

Tim was a champion of life.

 

He was a champion of education of others and himself.  An educator for 35 years, Tim had a love of learning – and an even bigger love of teaching.  Tim started his career in Bedford Schools in Temperance MI as a 5^th grade Science and Math teacher at Douglas Road elementary in 1973.  From there he progressed into administration as a Principal at Summerfield Middle School and then Dundee Elementary before his move to Jefferson Schools in Monroe as a Principal at Hurd Road Elementary. Then in 1987 he led the district as Assistant Superintendent for many years before finally taking the mantle of Superintendent of schools in 1999. He retired from Jefferson in 2008.

 

He valued not only formal education but also learning about people and life. As an early adopter of technology, his cluttered home office held a wide array of computers and devices.  He showed his great love of music and entertainment as a pioneer of mixed tapes and had the largest collection of laser discs known to man.  In the kitchen he was always trying his hand at being the next  Paul Prudhomme, Bobby Flay or “Cajun Chef” Justin Wilson. He hosted the inaugural (and only) family hot sauce competition on Christmas 1994 where he almost killed his brothers with a single drop of “Skull and Crossbones”.  And, coming from a competitive and athletically-inclined family, Tim organized the first (and only) family tennis tournament where he seeded himself number one, of course – a move that was highly contested. It was during this tournament a family motto was born – “Cheaters Never Prosper”.

 

He was a champion of others as no one was ever a stranger to him. Within minutes of meeting him, you had a new best friend. He always helped others win (except when playing Monopoly) and celebrated their successes in life. He genuinely wanted to know how you were and gave thoughtful advice to push you beyond the limits you thought existed. He did it all with a smile and a few (too many) jokes.  In retirement, Tim was able to focus on his love of golf, getting together for a neighborhood “nosh”, or meeting with his men’s group, the “GNOMES”, each month for dinner and a movie. 

 

Tim was a champion of family. He was the eldest of 7 children and uncle to countless nieces and nephews.  He was the best pet dad to a menagerie of tropical fish, birds, cats and dogs. Most importantly, he had 4 soul mates that he dedicated his life to.  His bride Terri was his great love since they first met in traffic court as teenagers.  From there he was content to live in his “estrogen pool”, being blessed with a daughter and eventually 2 granddaughters. He loved them all fiercely and unconditionally. He was at every musical performance, dance competition and softball game with pride in his heart.

 

As we mourn the great loss of our champion, we ask that you remember his kindness and compassion, his passion for celebrating your successes, his great smile and laughter and his genuine love for his family. 

 

Visitation Friday, September 6^th,  2-9pm with Scripture Service/ Remembrance at 7:30pm at Vermeulen Funeral Home 46401 W. Ann Arbor Rd., Plymouth, MI. Funeral Mass to be celebrated Saturday, September 7^th,  12 Noon, St. Kenneth Catholic Church 14951 N Haggerty Rd, Plymouth, MI. A celebration of life will be scheduled for a future date in Aiken, SC which Tim and Terri have called home for nearly 20 years. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Tim’s memory to: Leukemia/ Lymphoma Society and/or The American Heart Association.

 The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803) 649-6234 has charge of local arrangements. 

Timothy will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.