- Date Of Birth: January 15, 1940
- Date Of Death: January 15, 2011
- State: New Jersey
On his birthday, his family says goodbye. The
Honorable Patrick Francis Xavier Fitzpatrick
, a highly regarded attorney and judge, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on January 15, 2011 in the St. Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch.
Born in Jersey City on January 15, 1940, he was seventy one and lived in Avon-By-the-Sea, New Jersey. Previously he lived in North Arlington for over 30 years. He was married for forty five years to his wife Cathy (McDonald) In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Jennifer Warkentin and her husband Ken, Eileen, Katie, Patrick Jr. and his wife Sarah; his grandchildren, Jack, Abby, Walter, Andrew, Eamon, Julianne, and Patrick F.X. Fitzpatrick III; and his sister-in-law Peggy. He was predeceased by his brother Joe.
While on the bench as a Superior Court Judge in Bergen County, Judge Fitzpatrick quickly became known for his effectual ability to resolve almost any case. Versed in the law, he ruled his courtroom with candor and evenhandedness. However, in the legal community, judges, attorneys, and clerks alike most often spoke about the power of his person. Judge Fitzpatrick’s impeccable sense of humor and true compassion added a special and memorable element to his chambers. From 1992 – 2005, Judge Fitzpatrick used this innovative style to settle 29, 722 cases, an unprecedented achievement.
Judge Fitzpatrick’s expertise as a jurist and mediator was born of experience. After paying for the majority of his own tuition by working at the school bookstore, he graduated St. Peter’s Prep in 1957. He attended Seton Hall for both his undergraduate (1961) and law degree (1964). He worked in private practice and became partner at DeGonge, Garrity & Fitzpatrick in 1980. His distinguished career as a jurist began in 1992, where he remained for thirteen years. Thereafter, Judge Fitzpatrick joined the firm of Melli, Guerin, Wall & Messineo as Of Counsel in September of 2005, where he conducted arbitrations and mediations up until December 2010.
Judge Fitzpatrick was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, collecting sea glass on the beach, and collecting state quarters (of which he made collection books for all of his grandchildren). Judge Fitzpatrick enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships developed with friends, new and old, over a beer. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and the legal community.
This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Hon. Patrick Francis Xavier Fitzpatrick, J.S.C.
Born in Jersey City, New Jersey on Jan. 15, 1940
Departed on Jan. 15, 2011 and resided in Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ.
Funeral: Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011
