Donald J. Fitzpatrick

Donald J. Fitzpatrick, an Orange County resident since 1977 passed away on January 21, 2025 at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, NY. He was 93. Don, as he was affectionately called by all those who knew and loved him, was born on January 14, 1932 in Oak Park, IL. Following elementary and high school Don began a life dedicated to the catholic church attending college first at Maryknoll Fathers in Glen Ellyn, IL from 1951 - 1953. Then at the Trappist Monastery in Kentucky from 1953 - 1959. Upon moving to the NYC area in 1959 Don began working as a clerk for Container Transport Corp. Then as a clerk for Handy & Harman. Next as a clerk for Phelps Dodge Corp. All while attending classes at Fordham University, earning a BA degree in 1967. He furthered his college career earning 12 credits from Adelphi University. Then achieved his MS degree from Nova University in 1975. Don worked for 10 years as a NYS Parole Officer in Queens and Long Island. Then in 1977 began working for NYS Department of Corrections as a counselor to inmates. First at Otisville Correctional Facility for six years, then at Mid-Orange Correctional Facility for twelve years, retiring in 1995. He then volunteered at both Otisville and Mid-Orange teaching Yoga and Meditation, and as a team member, teaching Conscious Parenting for inmates. He also provided Spiritual Counseling at Mid-Hudson Psychiatric Center. Don was a communicant at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Otisville, NY where he volunteered for everything from teaching Religious Instruction to the youth of the parish, to mowing lawns and taking care of the cemetery. He served as a lector, Eucharistic minister, and an usher. He also took great care in preparing the alter linens. Don volunteered to drive those with no means of transportation to church, doctor appointments, shopping, and even to visit their relatives and friends. He was also a Eucharistic Guardian at St. Joseph’s Church in Middletown, NY. Don lived the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. “He loved his neighbor as himself.” He will forever be remembered as a “Faithful Servant.” Don donated his body to research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY. Upon return of his cremains, a mass of Christian burial will take place at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Otisville, NY on September 26 at 11:00 AM.

Donald J. Fitzpatrick

January 14, 1932 - January 21, 2025