The Honorable Paul Joseph Fitzpatrick

The Honorable Paul J. Fitzpatrick, 81 was born in New Bedford Mass, On July 3, 1929 to Irene and Joseph Fitzpatrick. Paul was awarded a four year scholarship to Cathedral Collage high School in Brooklyn, NY. Paul than attended City Collage of New York before entering the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his discharge from the Special Services Branch of the Army, Paul enrolled in Suffolk University in Boston. He also attended Suffolk University Law School where he received his B. S. degree  in 1956 and his J.D. in 1957. While attending the Law School he received the Trustee Scholarship for 1956.

Judge Fitzpatrick was certified to teach in the Boston School system. Upon his graduation Paul became and associate at the Law firm of Lee & Graham in Boston and practiced law with the firm for three years. During that time he also taught an evening course relating to the preparation for civil service entrance examinations.

In 1963 Judge Fitzpatrick headed the call to public service and became a trial attorney For the U S General Service Administration in Washington, DC. Judge Fitzpatrick enjoyed the challenge of arguing cases that dealt with international law, maritime concerns; inter state commerce and anti-trust matters.  

Judge Fitzpatrick retired in 1996, having spent more than 30 years employed by the federal government.  His last position was with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Paul spent the next four years caring for his wife, whom he lost to ovarian cancer in 2000. Paul traveled the world over the last ten years seeing all the wonderful countries and tourist destinations. He is survived by his sister Elizabeth Ragsdale of Colorado Springs CO.  Paul lost his brother, Mark Fitzpatrick to cancer in 1982. He is also survived buy many nieces and nephews and many great nieces and great nephews.

Paul will be buried with his wife Mary Collins Fitzpatrick in Boston MA.  A private graveside service will be conducted at a later date. 

Remembrances should be made to the American Cancer Society, 5900 Core Road, Ste. 504, North Charleston, SC 29406.

Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL.