Richard James Fitzpatrick, age 86, of Lake Junaluska, NC, passed away on Monday, May 25th, 2026.

Born in Evanston, IL, on November 9, 1939, he was the son of Agnes (Beston) Fitzpatrick and Richard Y. Fitzpatrick. He grew up in Evanston, IL, and Pelham, NY with his three siblings, Margaret, Jimmy, and Tommy. He married Alayne (Araman) Fitzpatrick and they bought their first home in Sloatsburg, NY and settled in West Nyack, NY for many years, raising their son Richard and daughter Karen. In 2000, he went on to live his life in Florida and Lake Junaluska, NC.

Richard graduated from Pelham High School and later went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Iona College. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at a young age and began Army service in Korea, but his service was cut short due to the hardship of his father’s death. He went on to join the NYC Police Department where he was employed for 22 years, reaching the rank of Sargent in 1973 until he retired in 1982. He then went on to buy a mixed-use building in Tuckahoe, NY, where he operated the Central Market deli and managed seven apartments for 17 years. While employed by the NYPD, he served part-time in the U.S. Air Force Reserve where he studied to become a loadmaster. He enjoyed his time in the Reserve, where it gave him the opportunity to travel to Air Force bases abroad, including the Canary Islands, Greece, Greenland, and the Middle East.

Richard really enjoyed spending time researching travel destinations and vacations. Two of the most memorable family trips he planned were the 1975 and 1976 cross-county summer camping adventures. He spent months mapping out the trips, considering logistics and which parks and historic sites to visit. He drove the Ford Country Squire 500+ mile days, taking the family to visit and camp at many State and National Parks throughout the U.S. and Canada, including the Great Smoky Mountains, Lake Michigan, Yellowstone, and Yosemite. A highlight was partaking in America’s July 4th, 1976, Bicentennial celebration and fireworks display in Amarillo, TX. The memories have left a lasting impression on us and are near and dear to our hearts.

He lived simply and quietly, mostly keeping to himself in his later years. Richard excelled at managing finances, meticulous record-keeping, and keeping up with current events. He took pride in spending his money on the best things, from furniture to cars to home renovations. He enjoyed traveling to Saugerties, NY, to visit with his cousins, the Howe family, and extended family, to share good times and hardy meals together. As he got older, those close to him were grateful for the opportunities we had to talk with him on the phone about life and the weather. He was diagnosed with dementia in 2024, and he lived his final years in the Spicewood Cottages in Clyde, NC. We are grateful to the caregivers that took a

liking to his feistiness and prickly personality and gave him a comfortable environment in which he was able to feel at home. We thank them for their loving care and support.

He is survived by his son, Richard; daughter, Karen (Kevin) Davern; granddaughters, Natalie, and Sarah; former wife, Alayne; brothers, Jimmy and Tommy.

A memorial service will be held in Saugerties, NY. Tentative date is June 27, 2026. Details forthcoming.