Oswald Fitzpatrick

Oswald Leon Fitzpatrick was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad on February 19, 1929 (however not officially recorded until one week later on February 26, 1929). He was fondly known as “Dad” to all that knew him well. Dad passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, August 8, 2022. Oswald, also known as Pato, Boise, Fitzie, etcetera, etcetera, was born to Violet Alleyne and Peter Fitzpatrick. On July 10, 1955, he wed his beloved wife of 65 years, Barbara Margaret (Charles), and their union produced four loving daughters, Donna, Debra, Denise and Desiree.

After immigrating to the United States in 1968, Fitzie worked several jobs until he secured a position at International Business Machines (IBM) where he was consistently given the award for being the most collegial. Fitzie was instrumental in the formation of the Boston Carnival Association in 1973, and bringing the beautiful culture of his homeland to the greater Boston area. He also served many terms as president of the Trinidad & Tobago Social Club. He was also very active in the Unity Sports and Cultural Club, an organization formed in the late 1960’s that offered solace to new immigrants, and Fitzie was affectionally referred to as “Squeezer” by his beloved Unity family at the All-Fours competitions.

Along with his work in the community, Fitzie followed Barbara and his girls back to church and became a member of the Roxbury Presbyterian Church. He was a faithful member of the choir and was elected both as Elder and commissioner to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA.

Fitzie was a crooner. He sang his way into the hearts of many with his life-changing testimony and rendition of his favorite hymn, He Touched Me. He was often called upon to offer his gift of song at events and funerals. After retiring from IBM, Fitzie began a brand new career at Boston Symphony Hall as Head Usher for 25 years. This new role put him him in touch with his love for music and also placed him in a position to hire his granddaughters, Danielle, Mekah, Barbara and Lindsay as part-time Ushers while they pursued college degrees. He finally retired once again from the BSO at the ripe old age of 89. Fitzie deeply loved his family. He often reminded them: Stay Together. No matter what happens—Stay Together!

Surviving are daughters, Donna Fitzpatrick, Debra Fitzpatrick, Denise (Paul) Seymour and Desiree (Anthony) Lawson; grandchildren, Danielle, Mekah, Barbara, Lindsay, Trinity and Joseph; great-grandchildren, Jada, Anai, Ayomi, Jordan, Toni, Kymora and

Elijah; sisters, Marjorie Evans and Phyllis Johnson. Fitzie also had a huge extended family including Dennis & AnnMarie Johnson, Liane Johnson, spades partner, Dr. Nicole Johnson, goddaughter, Robert-Thomas Duclersaint, Egbert Gibbs, Florence and Davardra Huffman; and dear friends, Isabel Harleston and Alan & Jennifer Oliver. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and close friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Barbara Margaret Fitzpatrick; grandson, Jefferson Cory Leon Johnson; his siblings, Mable, Gwendolyn, George, Ena, Leslie and parents.

Services for Oswald Fitzpatrick will be held at the George Lopes Funeral Home 647 Main Street Brockton, MA 02301 on Saturday August 13, 2022 with a viewing hour of 10:00AM followed by service time of 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Proceeding the services will be interment at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Boston, MA.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, please donate to:
The Cory Johnson Program for Post-Traumatic Healing
c/o Roxbury Presbyterian Social Impact Center
328 Warren Street, Roxbury, MA 02119

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