[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 116 (Tuesday, July 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN MEMORY OF GEORGE THOMAS FITZPATRICK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 15, 2008

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of 
George Thomas Fitzpatrick of Dunn, NC, who passed away on June 8, 2008 
at the age of 82. In his passing, North Carolina lost a truly gifted 
and dedicated educator who was influential and beloved in his 
community, county, and State.
  My dear friend, George Thomas Fitzpatrick, was born in Elyria, OH, in 
1925 and was the son of the late Ben and Mary Fitzpatrick. He was the 
seventh of 11 children. After graduating from high school in Ohio, 
Reverend Fitzpatrick joined the Army during the midst of World War II. 
He established a fine military career that included flight training 
with the Army Air Corps and the Tuskegee Airmen. After bravely serving 
his country, Reverend Fitzpatrick used the GI Bill to enroll at 
Fayetteville State University, graduating with a bachelors degree in 
elementary education. While at Fayetteville State University, he became 
a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Reverend Fitzpatrick continued 
his education, obtaining a masters degree from North Carolina Central 
University.
  While at Fayetteville State University, Reverend Fitzpatrick 
developed an interest in education. Upon graduation, he accepted a 
teaching position with the Harnett County School System in Dunn, NC. 
Not only was Reverend Fitzpatrick an outstanding educator, he coached 
the men's basketball and football teams. Reverend Fitzpatrick became 
principal of South Harnett Elementary School in 1968. After a 
distinguished career in education, Reverend Fitzpatrick retired in 
1984.
  Reverend Fitzpatrick was not only influential to the community as an 
educator, but also as a spiritual leader. Being a man of great faith, 
Reverend Fitzpatrick was called to the ministry in 1964 at Mt. Pisgah 
Baptist Church. He later became pastor of Piney Grove Original Free 
Will Baptist Church in Bolivia, NC; Mt. Zion Original Free Will Baptist 
Church in Wilson, NC; and North East Chapel Original Free Will Baptist 
Church in Mt. Olive, NC. He formally retired from the pulpit in 2004 
after 44 years of service.
  Reverend Fitzpatrick is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, 
Antoinette Fitzpatrick; his children, John Fitzpatrick, Warren Monroe, 
Barry Monroe, Kevin Monroe, and Michael Fitzpatrick; and his 
grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, George was someone who influenced the lives of others 
for the better, but lived simply. Reverend Fitzpatrick loved to hunt 
and was a member of several summer baseball and softball leagues. He 
kept a small farm with hogs and chickens. Reverend Fitzpatrick was, 
above all, a respected and dedicated educator and pastor, a dedicated 
public servant, and a great North Carolinian. It is fitting that we 
honor him and his family today.

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