Services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations in Rick’s memory may be made to The One Mission, Buzz Off for Kids with Cancer or Care Central VNA and Hospice of Gardner, MA.
Fitchburg- Richard O. Fitzpatrick Jr. (Rick/Fitzy), 68 passed away on Sunday, February 21, after a short illness.
Richard was born on August 30, 1952 in Fitchburg, a son of the late Richard O. Fitzpatrick Sr. and Theresa (Bourque).
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Karen A. (Boudreau) Fitzpatrick of Fitchburg, daughter, Kelly A. Fitzpatrick of Fitchburg, son, Ryan Fitzpatrick, brothers, Kevin M. Fitzpatrick and his wife, Deanna, of Leominster, Brian Fitzpatrick and his wife, Paula, along with several nieces and nephews, who enjoyed his sense of humor and love of family gatherings. He will be dearly missed by all.
Rick was a Graduate of Fitchburg High School where he played football along with other sports. After High School he attended and graduated from Mount Wachusett Community College majoring in Criminal Justice.
Rick served the City of Fitchburg for 32 years as a member of the Fitchburg Police Department, retiring as a Detective. As a Detective, he was a member of the North Worcester County Drug Task Force and worked with the DEA in Worcester. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award with the New England Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association. Rick was also known as an expert marksman during his career.
Rick enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, cruise nights and car shows with his 1965 Shelby Mustang. He was an avid Patriots and Nascar fan, enjoyed fishing, and playing his electric guitar. He was a member of the Fitchburg Rod and Gun Club. He loved genealogical research on Ancestry.com, had a great love for dogs and watching vet shows on NatGeo.
Rick’s greatest enjoyment was supporting his children at all of their sporting and dance events. He loved traveling with his wife to Europe, Alaska, and visiting Freeport, Maine.