Msgr. James J. Fitzpatrick, 58, pastor
The Rev. Msgr. James J. Fitzpatrick, who served numerous Philadelphia-area churches in 26 years as a Roman Catholic priest, died Monday of lung cancer. He was 58.
The Rev. Msgr. James J. Fitzpatrick, who served numerous Philadelphia-area churches in 26 years as a Roman Catholic priest, died Monday of lung cancer. He was 58.
Fitzpatrick was pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in Morrisville, Bucks County. He was appointed to the church in 2003 after serving as pastor of St. Philip Neri parish in Philadelphia.
He was born in Phoenixville to James C. Fitzpatrick and the former Teresa S. Scaringi. He attended St. Mary of the Assumption Parochial School in Phoenixville, St. Pius X High School in Pottstown and Penn State before entering St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.
He was ordained on May 19, 1984, by Cardinal John Krol at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul. He was named honorary prelate to Pope John Paul II on March 14, 1998.
Fitzpatrick served as parochial vicar at St. Cecilia and St. Agatha/St. James parishes in Philadelphia, and Queen of the Universe parish, in Levittown.
He also served as associate to the vicar for administration and director of the Office of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.
Fitzpatrick is survived by his parents; a brother, Robert, and a sister, Kathleen Daher.
Services: Service of Transfer of the Body 4 p.m. tomorrow at St. John the Evangelist Church, Morrisville, followed by a viewing. Mass will be celebrated at 7 p.m.
Cardinal Justin Rigali, archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate Mass at St. John the Evangelist at 1 p.m. Friday. Friends may call at noon. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem.