William Joseph ("Fitzy") Fitzpatrick

William Joseph Fitzpatrick III “Fitzy” passed away on November 20, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee, after a courageous battle with cancer. Bill is survived by his wife, Deborah (Walz), of 38 years; his sons, Ryan and William (Karen); his grandsons, Kaden, Aiden and new baby William Joseph Fitzpatrick V coming in January; his surrogate kids, Todd (Madison) and Lord “Vic”; his mother, Janet (Morusty Fitzpatrick) Cleary; his sisters, Debra (James) Derr, Ann (James) Fowler, Janet (Kevin) Caveney, Kelly (Todd) Beardsley and Kimberly (Jeff) Stine; his brothers, Mark (Janice) Pace, Brian (Jody) Pace and David Cleary; and his many nieces and nephews. Bill is predeceased by his father, William Fitzpatrick; his stepfathers, William Pace and James Cleary; several of his aunts and uncles; his brother, Anthony Rick Pace; his cousin, Joseph Salino; his nephews, Bill and Scott Pace; and his grandparents.

Bill’s work and career spanned over 36 years employed by New York State Electric and Gas, beginning at the age of 19. He worked 7 years and held several positions at Milliken Station. His last position was as a Plant Control Operator until leaving and joining the line department in Ithaca in 1986. He spent the rest of his career as a lineman and assisted with teaching in several line schools. He served many years as a treasurer for the Local 961 IBEW Board. During his career he received many awards, certificates and credits of which he was very proud. Bill retired in December 2016 and moved from his home in Danby, New York to Largo, Florida. Bill was an avid sportsman. His fondest memories were of hunting and fishing.

He gained his love for the sport by hunting pheasant, grouse, and deer with his stepfather, Bill Pace, and his brothers. He learned to process the game from his father, William, who was a meat cutter. He spent many years at his aunt and uncle’s hunting camp. He enjoyed fishing while spending summers with his sisters, other family members and friends at a cottage on Cayuga Lake. He enjoyed fishing the streams surrounding Ithaca and later deep-sea fishing in Florida. He loved hockey and enjoyed coaching and assisting with his sons’ youth hockey teams. He and Deb made several friends over the years through hockey. Bill really enjoyed pool parties, holiday celebrations and special occasions at his home with family and friends. His stepfather, James Cleary “Grandpa”  who was a carpenter, taught Bill and Deb how to make several home improvements along with beautifying their homes and grounds. Bill took great pride in his work and loved all the fathers in his life.

Bill fought a fierce and courageous battle during his illness spanning 7 years. He never lost his faith and love for God and his family. He and Deb would like to thank family and friends. Grateful thanks also goes to the doctors, nurses and caregivers at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, Vanderbilt Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee and Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, New York.

Calling hours and funeral arrangements will be handled by Bangs Funeral Home in Ithaca, New York. Calling hours will be Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Church on Friday, December 3, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. This will be followed by an interment at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity. Online condolences at www.bangsfuneralhome.com

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