Brian Edward Fitzpatrick

Brian Edward Fitzpatrick, aged 78, of Sparta, New Jersey entered into eternal life on Christmas morning, after a short illness. Born and raised in a proud Irish Catholic family in The Bronx, NY, he was one of five children of John and Catherine. He was so proud of his heritage that he became an official Irish citizen in 1999.

He attended Catholic primary schools in the Throggs Neck neighborhood, and then went on to City University of New York’s Baruch College. He specialized in business and graduated with honors in 1965. Shortly after earning his degree, he was drafted into the United States’ Army and proudly served in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He was so fond of his time spent there, to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of his service, he returned for a visit with his family.

Following discharge, Brian met his future wife Kathleen, at General Motors - where they both worked. They married in 1972 and settled in Lake Mohawk in 1975 to raise their family. He then joined FDIC as a bank examiner before becoming President & CEO of the Newton Trust Company.

In addition to his career, he dedicated his free time to civic pursuits, giving 20 years as a board member and Chairman of Newton Memorial Hospital and 5 years at the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees, including one year as its President. Brian also supported the American Red Cross, and the Sussex County Chapter formally recognized his contributions with The Mrs. Joseph P. Quinn Sr. Award for community service in 1995.

In 2004, Brian helped found the Noble Community Bank in Sparta, where he also acted as President & CEO. Brian later returned to FDIC where he worked until the time of his sudden passing.

While Brian’s professional accomplishments are many, his family was paramount and he was a fixture at his children’s activities and a pillar of the Pope John community, as well as at Our Lady of the Lake Parish. He was also a friend of Bill W’s for over 35 years and gave support to many.

He is survived by his siblings Catherine, Brendan and Lawrence and leaves behind his wife Kathleen, sons Brian and James, daughter Kara, and daughter-in-law Kelly, as well as his beloved grandchildren Chloe and Brian.

Visiting will be held from 3pm to 7pm on Thursday, December 30 at Goble Funeral home, 22 Main Street, Sparta, NJ. A funeral mass will be celebrated 10:30am, Friday, December 31 at Our Lady of the Lake R.C. Church, 294 Sparta Avenue, Sparta, NJ with interment to follow at Sparta Cemetery. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers , contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors Project by clicking the link below.