BOB FITZPATRICK
BOB FITZPATRICK
Robert (Bob) Fitzpatrick, 74, former ARCA driver at Mt. Clemens Race Track, Flat Rock and Toledo Speedways, and father of current Flat Rock and Toledo Speedway drivers Eric and Chris Fitzpatrick, passed away April 16 at Port Huron Hospital. He had recently been diagnosed with cancer. Fitzpatrick, of Memphis Michigan, began a long career of building and owning cars after his driving career, fielding race cars for over 20 drivers including Eric and Chris, Rick Sheppard, George Rangel, Roy Maples, Frank Kimmel and many others. Bob Fitzpatrick was a constant presence with his sons at the tracks supporting their racing efforts. He was a long time toolmaker, specializing in bolts and fasteners, and worked for International Screw Products and Michigan Screw Products before his retirement. He also worked with his son Chris in the field of Jeep restoration and parts.
Bob Fitzpatrick is survived by his wife Susan; sons Eric (Staci), Chris (Stephanie) and Robert Jr.; daughters Tammy (Jerry) Bandemer and Melissa Fitzpatrick; stepdaughters Janet Czajkowski, Shelly (Dave) Klann and Coreena Tomczak; 12 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brother Richard Wayne (Debbie); sisters Marjorie Clay, Jo Wilma Harvey, Frances Harvey, Elnora Patterson, Peggy Hill (Lloyd Kelly), Jean Templin, and Shirley (Joe) Asherbranner; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation is scheduled for 2-8 pm on Saturday April 19 and Monday April 21, with visitation at 10 am and services at 11 am on Tuesday April 22. Burial will follow at Memphis Cemetery, Memphis Michigan. Visitation and services will take place at Kaatz Funeral Directors-Richmond, 71235 Memphis Ridge Road, Richmond MI 48062, (586) 727-3434, www.kaatzfunerals.com. Memorials are suggested to “Wishes of the Family”.
