Shrewsbury – Joseph L. “Joe” Fitzpatrick, 72, retired police officer for the town of Shrewsbury, died Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012 in St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester.
He leaves his wife of 25 years, Jane P. (Packard) Fitzpatrick; a son, Jack C. Fitzpatrick and his wife, Monica of Shrewsbury, a daughter, Lisa M. Ferguson and her husband, Tony, of Shrewsbury; a step-daughter, Judith Carlson Arena of Shrewsbury; a sister, Mary Hunt of Shrewsbury; 11 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Eleanor D. (Simon) Fitzpatrick; a step-son, Roy Carlson; two brothers, Michael and Joseph; and a sister, Marie Hutchings.
Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, son of the late John E. and Gertrude M. (Doyle) Fitzpatrick, he moved to Shrewsbury when he was 14 years old and graduated from Major Beal High School in 1957. He enlisted into the United States Navy and served the country as a Seabee with the Mobile Construction Battalion #1, serving two tours of duty in Antarctica.
Mr. Fitzpatrick later went to work for the National Cash Register Company in Worcester as a technician for 11 years. In June 1974, he became a police officer for the town of Shrewsbury for 24 years before he retired in 1998.
After retirement, he and his wife moved to Maine where they lived many years. His biggest joy in life was his family and spending quality time with his kids and grandchildren. He enjoyed being an outdoorsman and always looked forward to hunting season. He was a die hard Boston Bruins fan and was thrilled to have seen “his team” win the Stanley Cup last season.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family Saturday, Feb. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m., in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury. His funeral will be held from the funeral home Monday, Feb. 6, with a funeral Mass at 12 p.m. in Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. After cremation, private burial will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Special Olympics of Mass, Attn: Donations, Yawkey Sports Training Center, Marlborough, MA 01752 or to New England Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1600 Providence Highway, Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081.
