Hudson – William “Bill” James Fitzpatrick Jr., 72, of Hudson, MA, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at Emerson Hospital in Concord, MA.
Born on October 9, 1950, Bill grew up in Peekskill and Mahopac, NY until he attended Merrimack College in North Andover, MA where he met the love of his life, best friend, and wife of 49 years, Rosemary.
Bill worked at Kraft Foods for 28 years, before retiring as a Senior Director of Global Information Systems in 2008. His years at Kraft saw him relocate from the east coast to Libertyville, IL where he lived with his family for 12 years. Bill and Rosemary called several towns home during their years together and made many friends wherever they lived. After spending 12 years enjoying retirement in Southport, NC, they spent 2 years in Elmhurst, IL to be closer to their daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. They only moved to Hudson, MA a month ago to be closer to their other 2 daughters and grandchildren.
In retirement, Bill enjoyed cycling, traveling, genealogy, and sharing a nightcap at the local watering hole with his bride. Bill inherited his deep passion for genealogy from his father. Never missing an opportunity to make a detour on a road trip to visit a cemetery or local genealogical society, he saw it as one of his life’s missions to document and share his family’s legacy.
Most of all, Bill’s pride and joy in life was his family. He was a devoted and doting spouse, son, brother, father, father-in-law, uncle, and grandfather. He was incredibly proud of his three girls and never missed a dance recital, tennis match, or softball game. Later in life, he found tremendous joy in being a grandparent, or “Daideo.” Whether it was playing dress up or telling “spooky stories,” he could play with his grandkids for hours and they adored him for it.
Bill leaves behind his wife Rosemary of Hudson MA; his daughters, Erin Shelp and her husband Andy of Elmhurst, IL, Megan Wood and her husband Scott of Concord, MA, Katie Fitzpatrick and her husband Sean Bratton of Salem, MA; his grandchildren, Addie and Hank Shelp and Romy and Silas Wood; his brother Kevin Fitzpatrick and wife Colleen of Mt. Arlington, NJ; his sister Barbara Pinney of Broken Arrow, OK; his beloved granddogs Mabel and Wrigley; and many other dear family members and friends.
Bill was predeceased by his parents William James Fitzpatrick Sr and Margaret, his father and mother-in-law Emil and Helen Romanowicz, and his brothers-in-law Rob Pinney and Paul Romanowicz.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bill’s life during visiting hours at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center on Sunday, August 27th from 3 to 6 pm. His funeral service will be held on Monday, August 28th at 10 am in the Farrar Chapel of Dee Funeral Home (watch the recorded service here), with a reception immediately following. Burial will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s memory can be made to the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s or New York Genealogical and Biographical Society.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.
