James E. Fitzpatrick

James “Jim” E. Fitzpatrick, 70 of West Yarmouth, formerly of Holden, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at Cape Cod Hospital surrounded by his loving family. James was born in Worcester, a son of the late James J. and Agnes A. (Curnin) Fitzpatrick.  He graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester, MA and later received a master’s degree in education from Worcester State College.  James served his country proudly on three tours of duty with the United States Navy in the Vietnam War and was awarded several medals and ribbons for his military service.  James resided in Holden for 30 years and worked for the Wachusett Regional School System for 32 years as a Speech and Language Pathologist for children in preschool through high school before his retirement in 2005.  He recently moved to West Yarmouth 2 years ago.  James was a member of Saint George’s Church, the Vernon Hill American Legion Post 435, and a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars: Post 6907 in West Boylston.  He was an avid golfer and recorded two “holes in one” at Holden Hills Country Club and the Bass River Golf Club. James was an avid reader and served many years on the Board of Trustees at the Gale Free Library in Holden.  James will be missed by his wife of 46 years, Marlene F. (Latino) Fitzpatrick; his children, Erin M. Nelson and her husband Kevin of Burien, WA, Keri A. Beck and her husband William of Sterling, MA and Brian J. Fitzpatrick and his wife Kristen of Watertown, MA; a sister, Nancy M. Hardiman and a brother, John J. Fitzpatrick both of Worcester; five beloved grandchildren, Allison, Kaitlyn and Shannon Fitzpatrick and Owen and Gavin Nelson; many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by three brothers, Paul F., Michael J., and Hilary J. Fitzpatrick; two sisters, Beverly A. Farr and Kathleen M. Gedman. Services for James will be held on Friday, October 7, 2016 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a Mass at 11 a.m. in Saint George’s Church, 40 Brattle St., Worcester.  Burial will follow at Saint John’s Cemetery, Worcester.  Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Friday, October 7th from 9-10:30 a.m. in the funeral home prior to departure for his funeral mass.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Gale Free Library, 23 Highland St., Holden, MA 01520 or the South Yarmouth Library, 312 Old Main St., South Yarmouth, MA 02664.  To share your thoughts and memories of James, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com