Paul Joseph Fitzpatrick

Paul Joseph Fitzpatrick, 88, of Littleton, MA, passed away at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, MA, surrounded by his family on August 24, 2023. He was the loving husband of Mimi D. (Lucchesi) Fitzpatrick, who died in 2022.

Paul was born in Cambridge, MA, on May 18, 1935, and was the son of the late Esther Marie (Hynes) Fitzpatrick and William Leo Fitzpatrick. He was raised in Cambridge and spent the summers in Littleton, where he met the love of his life, Mimi Lucchesi. They married on September 11, 1955, at St. Anne's Church in Littleton; they remained in Littleton, where they raised their family together. They recently celebrated 67 years of marriage.

Paul worked for over 30 years at AVCO/Textron Defense Systems (first in Lowell, MA, and then in Wilmington, MA) as a Quality Control Technician contributing to the Non-Destructive Test (NDT) functions. He helped test the Apollo capsule heat shield, which protects the astronauts during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere from space. He received the Textron Defense Systems Excalibur Award for his contributions. Paul helped with the startup and organization of the Littleton Youth Hockey program in town and stayed involved for many years.

In 1985, Paul and his wife bought a cottage on Moosehead Lake in Greenville, ME, where, for the next 38 years, all the families would vacation in the summer. Paul would delight in taking the children on "moose rides" just before dusk to see how many moose they could find. He enjoyed his daily 4 p.m. Martini no matter where he was but always said the gin tasted better at Moosehead. Paul volunteered his services to the Meals on Wheels program through Minuteman Senior Services for the residents of Littleton from 2001 to 2018. He enjoyed renovating houses, building decks, and remodeling kitchens for his children. He took pleasure in boating and fishing with the grandkids and delighted in winning at card and board games against them. Paul developed a passion for cooking for his family on holidays and at the Moosehead cottage during the summers. Some of his favorites included the inspired "Shrimp & Cheese Penne," "Kokadjo Special," "Eggplant Parmigiana," and "Grampa's Chicken." Paul was adamant about ensuring every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild had a gift to open from him on Christmas.

He leaves a daughter, Arlene E. Fitzpatrick of Littleton, MA, and her two sons, Donald L. Palma III and his wife Jessica (Withee) of Harvard, MA, and their children Rosalie & Marilyn Palma and Skylar Davis; and Christopher J. Banks of Ayer, MA. He also leaves Theresa L. (& Sammie) Sax of Rumford, ME, and her sons, Steven Wilson of Athol, MA; Michael Wilson and his wife Teriann of Springfield, MA, and their children Lucia & Grace; Kirk Camblin and his companion Felisha Mellinda of Hudson, NH, his daughter Khloe and their son Cole; and Philip Camblin of Ayer, MA and his sons Keith and Ace. He was predeceased by a grandson, Keith Camblin. Paul also leaves a son, Paul W. Fitzpatrick and his wife Anita (Sabourin) of Fitchburg, MA, and their daughters Meghan (& Will) Kinkaid of Newington, CT, and their son William, Shannon (& Taylor) Grossenbacher of New Fairfield, CT, and their children Jacob & Alex; and Katherine (& Lucas) Clunan of Newtown, CT and their children Layla & Kaelyn.

Paul also leaves a brother, Neil Fitzpatrick, of Littleton, MA, and a brother-in-law, James Lucchesi and his wife Sharon (Raterman) of Ayer, MA. He was also predeceased by his brother, Leo Fitzpatrick. He leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Paul for visiting hours on Friday, September 8, 2023, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton. His funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at Blessed Trinity Parish - St. Anne Church, 75 King St., Littleton. Burial with U.S. Navy Military Honors will follow at Westlawn Cemetery, Littleton.

Arrangments under the care of Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton, MA 01460  978-486-3709   www.badgerfuneral.com