Garrett Charles Fitzpatrick II

Garrett C. Fitzpatrick, II, 82, of East Hartford, was peacefully reunited with his one true love, Carol (Geffert) Fitzpatrick, on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. Born in Houlton, ME on October 28, 1939, a son of the late Gordon and Frances (Wall) Fitzpatrick, he had been a resident of East Hartford since 1977. Garrett retired after a 30-year career in Human Resources and Benefits with the United Technologies Corporation, including Hamilton Standard in Windsor Locks, CT and Pratt & Whitney in Bridgeport, WV and East Hartford, CT.

Garrett was a graduate of Ricker College. He was a proud veteran of the US Army, infamously serving in Germany with Elvis Presley. He was a lifetime member of the BPOE “Best People on Earth” (Elks Lodge #2063). Garrett was a lover of sports, music, poetry, slot machines, and CNN. He was loyal to the Boston Red Sox and never missed a UCONN Women’s Basketball game. Garrett was a self-declared “veritable fountain of trivia” and could generate at least a hundred questions on almost any topic. He was a proud recipient of the 10-Gallon Blood Donor Pin from the American Red Cross. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and fiercely devoted caregiver for many years to his late wife, Carol.

Garrett’s unmistakable baritone voice will long be remembered by friends and strangers alike. His love for all things music was evident as he sang in many choirs and choruses throughout his lifetime. He entertained his family as an armchair conductor and enjoyed playing piano, violin, and banjo. He truly never met a stranger and had an uncanny ability to find commonality with almost anyone. Garrett was a passionate member of the Democratic Party who believed wholeheartedly in equality for all human beings. He was a faithful communicant of St. Isaac Jogues Church in East Hartford and later the North American Martyrs Parish where he was a member of the church choir.

Garrett is survived by his son, Garrett C. Fitzpatrick, III; his two daughters, Suzanne F. Marx and her husband Robert, Shannon F. Benjamin and her husband Richard; four adored grandchildren, Jordan Niezelski, Lucas Niezelski, Ryan Marx, and Erin Marx. He also leaves two brothers, William Fitzpatrick and his wife Sally, Peter Fitzpatrick and his wife Joyce; a sister, Maryann Stewart and her husband Gary; his mother-in-law, Grace (Brown) Geffert; a brother-in-law, Michael Geffert and his wife Jean; a sister-in-law June Harbison; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Besides his beloved wife and parents, Garrett was predeceased by a brother, John Fitzpatrick. The family would also like to extend a special thanks to neighbor Karen Levesque for her kindness and helpfulness.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 28th at St. Mary’s Church of North American Martyrs Parish, 15 Maplewood Avenue, East Hartford, followed immediately by burial with military honors at Hillside Cemetery, East Hartford. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Garrett’s name may be made to a favorite charity of the donor’s choice. Honor Garrett by singing a song at the top of your lungs, striking up a conversation with a stranger, or sharing a bad knock-knock joke. The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For a link to the livestream service and on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.