John E. “Fitzy” Fitzpatrick of Franklin, formerly of Norwood, Walpole, and Foxboro, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 24, 2022, at age 74. A beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many.
He was the son of the late, James A. and Mae D. Fitzpatrick (Mathews) of Norwood, MA. Former husband of Sandra M. Fitzpatrick (Dyke) of Foxboro, MA; and the loving father of, Alexis Amendola of Franklin, James Fitzpatrick and his wife Jennifer (Duncan) of Franklin, Kelly Troy and her husband Edward of Mansfield, Kristy Fitzpatrick of Foxboro, and John Fitzpatrick II of Foxboro, proud Grampy of Samantha Fitzpatrick, Cole Amendola, Owen Amendola, Abby Fitzpatrick, Olivia Fitzpatrick, and Joseph Troy. John was the loving brother to his twin sister Joan and her husband John Gilman of Burrillville, RI; and loving brother of Ann Marie Fitzpatrick of Bellingham, MA. John was the loving companion of Debra Giguere of Wrentham, MA for the past several years. He was also adored by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
John was a graduate of the Henry O. Peabody School in Norwood, MA, class of 1968, Culinary Arts Program. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Vocational Education from Fitchburg State College, and Certification in Special Education from The University of Massachusetts. John’s culinary career started at the Norwood Town Square Diner as a young man in high school and over the years evolved to working as an Executive Chef in several distinguished restaurants and hotels, including the University Club of Boston. John obtained numerous certifications throughout his career from the American Culinary Federation and the Massachusetts Department of Education including Certified Culinary Educator, Certified Executive Chef, Certified Foodservice Executive, and Certified Chef Instructor.
John combined his love of Culinary Arts and education as the Director of Food Services and Training at Minuteman Regional High School in Lexington, MA for 27 years before retiring in 2010. He was a founding member of the Minuteman Gourmet Club which assists students in obtaining scholarships. John earned many accolades in his profession, including awards from the Epicurean Club of Boston and the Les Amis d ’Escoffier Society of New England.
John was very proud of obtaining his dual citizenship with Ireland. He was a member of the Franklin Elks Lodge and loved being a part of the Elks Friday night dinners. He was an active board member of his condominium association.
John was incredibly proud of all his children and grandchildren. He cherished spending time with them and was always the first to arrive at a family party. He was happiest when in the kitchen surrounded by family while preparing the Thanksgiving Day Feast. He also loved cookies!
John loved traveling and sightseeing with his loving companion Debbie and always looked forward to their next adventure. He will be missed by so many and forever in our hearts.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Saturday October 29th, at 9AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 1 Church Square Franklin at 10AM.
Interment will follow at Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton.
Calling hours are Friday from 4-7PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to the Franklin Food Pantry 43 West Central St. Franklin, MA 02038. Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com