Henry FitzPatrick Jr., lawyer for a Pa. court

Henry Burk FitzPatrick Jr., 83, of Haverford, a lawyer, died Monday, Dec. 16, at Kindred Hospital Philadelphia-Havertown of complications resulting from an Oct. 29 auto accident in Delaware County.

Born in Philadelphia, Mr. FitzPatrick graduated from Cranwell Preparatory School in Lenox, Mass., in 1947. He received his bachelor of science degree in economics from what is now Villanova University in 1951.

He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army in July 1952. An honorable discharge came in 1955. From 1953 to 1956 he attended the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he received a law degree.

He married Patricia Geatz in 1951.

In 1956, he began his law practice with Raymond J. Broderick. In 1961, he was made a partner with the law firm Broderick, Schubert & FitzPatrick.

In 1972, the firm became Liebert, Short, FitzPatrick & Lavin. In 1988, with his colleague Marcy Tanker, he formed the firm of FitzPatrick & Tanker.

He worked there until 1997, when he was appointed chief staff attorney for the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline, then in its infancy. He never retired.

"He didn't use a computer," said his daughter Patricia F. Donlon. "All of the casework he quoted was in his head."

Mr. FitzPatrick was a member of Merion Golf Club, a supporter of Villanova Wildcats athletics, and a founding member of the Caesar Rodney Society, which brought together movers and shakers for conversation and good cheer. He read avidly and collected books.

"He was a connoisseur of fine wine and cheese, and a secret poet who wrote engaging limericks in his spare time," his family said in a tribute.

Surviving, besides his wife of 62 years and their daughter, are sons Henry Burk III, Brian I., Brendan A., Norman G., Cornelius R.; daughters Siobhan M., Catherine M., Kiera F. Werner, and Colleen F. Markey; a brother; a sister; and 18 grandchildren.

Friends may call starting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at St. John Neumann Roman Catholic Church, 380 Highland Lane, Bryn Mawr. Mass will be said at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Donations may be sent to Mercy Vocational High School, 2900 W. Hunting Park Ave., Philadelphia 19129.