In Memoriam: Edward B. Fitzpatrick Jr.

Grotto candles

Edward B. Fitzpatrick Jr. (ND ’54, Civil Engineering), a member of the College of Engineering Advisory Council for nearly 50 years and the primary benefactor for Fitzpatrick Hall of Engineering, died peacefully on Feb. 21, 2021, in Bayville, New York. He was 88.

Fitzpatrick was president of Edward B. Fitzpatrick Jr. Construction. He was also a fellow of the American Society of Engineers and member of the National Society of Professional Engineers.

He joined the College of Engineering Advisory Council in 1972. Among his many contributions to the College was the principal gift to build Fitzpatrick Hall of Engineering, which was completed and dedicated in 1979.

Edward B. Fitzpatrick 1954 Senior Photo
Edward B. Fitzpatrick 1954 Senior Photo
Fitzpatrick Hall of Engineering
Fitzpatrick Hall of Engineering

Fitzpatrick is fondly remembered by faculty, staff, and many engineering alumni as a “friend to all” who was devoted to his family, Notre Dame, and engineering. He showed his love and shared his gift of service with the University, his parish, and various organizations throughout his community.

“Ed Fitzpatrick was a steadfast supporter of the department and the College of Engineering during his long tenure on our advisory board,” said Joannes J. Westerink, the Joseph and Nona Ahearn Professor of Computational Science and Engineering and Henry J. Massman Chair, Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences.

“His heart was especially focused on helping our students, providing opportunities for them through scholarships, internships, and site visits. He developed strong mentoring relationships with many of them.

“Ed was especially proud of his daughter Kathie being a member of the first class of women graduating from Notre Dame with a degree in civil engineering.”

The Notre Dame Engineering community extends its deepest sympathy to the Fitzpatrick family.

More information and giving opportunities are available here.

— Nina Welding, College of Engineering