Patrick J. Fitzsimmons

Patrick J. Fitzsimmons, 87, of Berkeley Twp., passed away on Saturday Nov. 14, 2015. Son of Ella and Patrick he was born on May 5, 1928 in NYC. He attended Ascension grammar school and Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx. He was a member of the swing band, marching band and orchestra. Patrick lived in the Middlesex NJ area for over 35 years before moving to Berkeley Twp. in 1988.He was a veteran of the US Marine Corp. Patrick was a marketing manager for NY Telephone Company for 40 years retiring in 1988. In 1989 he began 18 years of working at St. Joseph Cemetery as an interment engineer. He served as past Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Woodbridge and was a founding director of the Irish American Association in Woodbridge. He was formerly a member of the American Legion in Iselin and a member of the Knights of Columbus Post 4969 in Toms River. He was a communicant, Eucharistic Minister and active volunteer St. Maximilian Kolbe RCC. He often shopped and ran errands for those who were house bound in his community.

Pat was predeceased by his second wife Joan Ann Fitzsimmons in 1988. He is survived by his first wife Josephine Fitzsimmons; his children Anita Smith, Maureen Strzykalski and Patrick M. Fitzsimmons; his step-children Patricia Smith, Deborah Stevens, James Conroy and Kevin Conroy; his brother Deacon John Fitzsimmons and his companion Ceil Murtha. He is also survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held from 3 to 7 PM on Monday November 16, 2015 at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home 26 Mule Road Toms River, NJ 08755. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday November 17th at 11:30 AM at St. Maximilian Kolbe RCC. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Toms River. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the American Lung Association. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.quinn-hoppingfh.com.