Tad Fitzpatrick

Tad Fitzpatrick was a kind and humble man, deeply dedicated to his family and friends. He had lifelong loves of camping, history, and chess, and he always had time to talk if someone needed it. He sincerely cared about other people, and made sure his family was all right even in the midst of his own health struggles. With his genuine love, bright smile, and relentlessly positive attitude, he endeared himself to everyone he met.

In the 1950s, the United States was something of a paradox. There was optimism and economic growth as recovery from World War II was moving forward, but the first few years of the decade were filled with news of the Korean War. Popular music was often upbeat and the dance scene was hopping, but the threat of the Soviet Union loomed large over daily life. On September 10, 1955, Felix and Theresa (Racz) Fitzpatrick of Kalamazoo, Michigan, received a welcome bit of joy in the midst of these contradictions when they welcomed their fourth child, Tad.

Tad and his siblings - Dennis, Tim, Sally, and Dana - spent their childhoods in and around Kalamazoo. Camping became a the source of many stories and experiences. The Fitzpatricks owned a canvas tent large enough to fit the whole family. They frequented the state parks around Michigan where they could enjoy playing along the shoreline, or sometimes in Gatlinburg where the Smoky Mountains provided the perfect backdrop to family vacations.

Tad graduated from Portage Northern High School. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, Tad got a job at the Crown Vantage and later at Georgia Pacific paper company in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was a pressman and had the responsibility of setting up and operating large industrial presses. He worked in paper mills for fifteen years.

Before long, Tad married Julie. They honeymooned in beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which at the time was so small it only had a single blinking traffic light. They loved it so much though that they moved there soon after. Tad helped with accounting in a bookstore. The couple frequently camped and backpacked in Bridger-Teton National Forest, not far away. Though Tad and Julie eventually divorced, they remained best friends for over fifty years.

Tad loved playing chess, and was masterful at it. He even played against himself if there was no one else to play against. When the internet came along in the late 90s, it opened up a whole new world of players to compete with. His sister-in-law Sue’s claim to fame is that she beat him…once! He also loved anything to do with history and could have been a history teacher. If you asked him a question, Tad would recall so much more information than you expected to learn and shared it with a beautifully descriptive story. If it was a topic he particularly enjoyed, such as the Civil War, he would keep talking for as long as you’d listen. He was an amazing conversationalist; he could talk on the phone with his sister Sally for hours, or they would sit chatting in the corner of a room and forget about everything going on around them. Tad also held a special place in his heart for his pets, and popcorn and chocolate.

Tad was an honest, hard-working, and reliable man. His humility often left him saying, “I’m sorry,” even if something wasn’t his fault. He was more concerned with the well-being of others than his own. He had a huge heart for people and genuinely cared about the needs of whoever was around. His personality drew others to him and made them feel entirely at ease.

Later in life, Tad endured significant health struggles. Despite those challenges, his true character shone through, and doctors and nurses loved him for his warm and compassionate spirit. In his final days, Tad didn’t think that God would want him in Heaven because his body and his life were so broken. As anyone who knows would agree, his humility and kindness make Tad exactly the kind of person that God would welcome home.

Tad died on Thursday, August 6, 2026. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis Fitzpatrick; sister, Sally Sarvadi; and sister-in-law, Julie Fitzpatrick. Surviving are his brothers: Tim Fitzpatrick and Dana Fitzpatrick; sister-in-law, Sue Fitzpatrick; brother-in-law, Ron Paynter; nieces and nephews; best friend, Julie Pressley; and his dog, Crystal.

Burial will take place on Saturday, August 22, at 10 AM at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Park South. Celebrate Tad’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Allegan County Animal Shelter. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.