Former Bucks County congressman and commissioner Mike Fitzpatrick will be laid to rest Friday.
Fitzpatrick died Monday at home after battling cancer for years. He was 56.
Viewing services are scheduled for 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to noon Friday at Queen of the Universe Roman Catholic Church, 2443 Trenton Road in Middletown Township, where Fitzpatrick was a lifelong parishioner. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for noon Friday.
Fitzpatrick served for 10 years as a Bucks County commissioner and eight years as a U.S. congressman representing Bucks County. He also served as a township supervisor. Fitzpatrick often worked across the aisle on important initiatives and built long-lasting friendships with many Democratic legislators.
After learning of his death, Pennsylvania senators, a former governor and many Bucks County state legislators – both Democrats and Republicans – paid tribute to Fitzpatrick, as did the Republican Party of Pennsylvania.
Former Pennsylvania Gov. Mark S. Schweiker, a Republican, issued the following statement: “Bucks County and Pennsylvania has lost a fine public servant. Mike Fitzpatrick worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those he served.
“As Bucks County Commissioner, and later in Congress, we could always count on Mike to fight for his fellow citizens. More than anything, I will remember him as my friend for over 40 years, and I will miss him. Kathy and I will hold his wife, Kathleen, their children and family in our prayers.”
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) said, “Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick served our Commonwealth with distinction, demonstrating countless times his willingness to reach across the aisle and put people before politics. I am sending my deepest condolences to Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and the entire Fitzpatrick family.”
Brian Fitzpatrick currently serves as a U.S. Representative in what had been his brother’s district.
U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) released the following statement: “Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick served our commonwealth and country with great integrity, competence, and dignity. During his time as a Bucks County Commissioner, and then as a member of Congress, Mike proved time and again that it is possible to work across the aisle to make progress while remaining true to one’s principles. Kris and I extend our condolences to Mike’s wife Kathleen, their children, and the entire Fitzpatrick family.”
State Rep. Tina Davis, D-141, said, “Mike was a great guy to work with – incredibly smart, knowledgeable about local and state issues. He was a man of grace and honor. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Fitzpatrick family.”
State Rep. John Galloway, D-140, said, “I’ve known Mike for 35 years. He was a great elected official and a better person. From the Galloway clan to the Fitzpatrick’s, I would like to say how very sorry we are to hear of Mike’s passing.”
State Rep. Wendy Ullman, D-143, said, “Mike served his community, the commonwealth and his country with dedication and valor. He left a big footprint in Bucks County.”
State Rep. Perry Warren, D-31, said, “As congressman, Bucks County commissioner, township supervisor and private citizen, Mike Fitzpatrick set the standard for participation and activity in the community. He was everywhere – the face of the community he represented. My family and I are sorry for his loss and offer our condolences to his brother, Brian and his entire family.”
State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, D-10, said, “I join all in Bucks County who mourn the untimely passing of Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick following his long battle with cancer. We will always remember Mike for his devotion to his family and the entire Bucks County community.
“His decades of public service as a Bucks County Commissioner and United States Congressman have left his imprint on every corner of the county. We will honor him by continuing the hard work to preserve the best of Bucks County, while also making sure we leave no residents behind as we build a better future.”
The Republican Party of Pennsylvania offered its heartfelt condolences to Fitzpatrick’s family and the greater Bucks County Community.
“Congressman Fitzpatrick was both a loyal friend, valued law partner, and a trusted political adviser,” stated RPP Chairman Lawrence Tabas. “He will be missed sorely by all who knew him.”
Fitzpatrick was a public servant whose roots ran deep in the community and stood firm to his word, the RPP said. “After a nearly 10-year tenure as a Bucks County Commissioner, Mike successfully ran for U.S. Congress in 2004. ... When (his) first re-election campaign ended in defeat, he was undeterred from public service. Mike stayed involved in Bucks County politics and ran again for Congress in 2010.
“Mike’s victory in 2010 came with a promise to his constituents that he would only serve three terms. True to his word, in 2016 Congressman Fitzpatrick retired, leaving a lasting legacy of service in Congress.
“ From standing up for the rights of victims who were injured by faulty medical devices, to chairing the Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing, Mike always fought to keep families safe.
“Rarely were there community events, party gatherings, or local meetings where Mike was not present. His commitment to his district and his constituents was unparalleled and will remain the model to congressmen for many years.
“In addition to his dutiful public service, Mike was also an Eagle Scout who was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver Award for his lifetime of service to the Boy Scouts of America. Mike was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis Club, and Ancient Order of Hibernians. We join his family and friends in remembering Mike Fitzpatrick for his devotion to his country and service to his community.”
