Phi Delta Theta has lost a true legend. Bob Fitzpatrick, Maryland (Bond #550) passed away early this morning in Washington, DC at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife Joan, son Mark and his wife Kimberly, daughter Kelley, and grandchildren Tara, Casey and Shea.

Fitz has left a strong legacy within Phi Delta Theta due to the impact he had on so many of our brothers — and not just at the University of Maryland.

Over the years, he had served as Chapter Adviser for Maryland Alpha, House Corporation President, Province President, DC Area Alumni Club President and Warden for the General Fraternity. He was always generous with his time and his love of our fraternity was undeniable.

Of course, Fitz was a loyal Terps fan and when he could, he enjoyed spending time back on campus. He rarely missed a home basketball game and with tickets on the floor, he wasn’t shy about confronting referees after missed calls! Afterwards, you could always find him holding court with fellow Phis at RJ Bentley’s.

In later years, it became more difficult for Fitz to attend games. Back in March 2012, more than 30 Phi Delts and Phikeias visited Fitz at his home in DC to watch the Maryland Terrapins take on the Virginia Cavaliers — a true testament to the lasting impression he had made on undergraduates and alumni alike.

Later that year in July, the fraternity was very fortunate to see and hear from Bob as he addressed the 2012 General Convention in Washington, DC. (Photo above)

In honor of his commitment and dedication to the fraternity, Maryland Alpha inducted Brother Fitzpatrick into their Hall of Fame in 2010 (below) coinciding with the chapter’s 80th anniversary, where they established a scholarship in his name for an undergraduate Phi Delt from the Maryland Alpha chapter. Donations can be made to the Bob Fitzpatrick Fund through the Phi Delta Theta Foundation.

Now in the Chapter Grand, we can only imagine that Brother Fitzpatrick is abiding by his own motto which he admonished us to follow during fraternity gatherings, “Be quiet and walk straight.”

Farewell, Fitz! We cherish the memories we share and will always strive to live up to the example you set. We’ll miss you, Brother!

In Coelo Quies Est

UPDATE
Saturday, September 14, 2013 – Phi Delts from the University of Maryland (Maryland Alpha) pay last respects and say farewell to Brother Bob Fitzpatrick at his funeral service at St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church in Washington, DC. Fitz was a longtime Maryland chapter adviser, province president and former General Fraternity Warden.