Edward “Ed” John Fitzpatrick of North, Virginia left his earthly body on Thursday, October 15, 2026, surrounded by love and warmth. Born at home on April 12, 1939 in Avalon, Pennsylvania—a cozy borough of Pittsburgh—to Leo and Katherine “Kitty” Fitzpatrick, he was the youngest of 10 children.
Ed kicked off his work life at just 14 years old as an apprentice at Frew Plumbing while attending Connelly Vocational High School. After graduation, he spent time working at the local steel mill, Pittsburgh Forgings, before feeling inspired to follow his father and four of his older brothers into military service. Joining the United States Coast Guard in 1960, he enjoyed a thrilling 20-year career as a Damage Controlman—a time filled with wild adventures, hilarious hijinks, and a legendary “shenanigans benchmark” that set the bar impossibly high for his future daughters! After 20 years and 20 days, he retired from the Coast Guard as a Senior Chief.
While stationed in Long Beach, California, Ed met the absolute love of his life, Susan “Sue.” Together, they shared 48 wonderful, joy-filled years of marriage before her passing. Their legacy lives on through their two daughters, Shanon Fitzpatrick Beam (Bradley) and Erin Kathleen Fitzpatrick; their beautiful granddaughter, Maggie, and a beloved succession of canine fur babies. Following another 20 years of dedicated service with Gloucester County in Virginia, Ed and Sue built their dream retirement home on Burkes Mill Pond, lovingly named “A Wee Bit of Heaven.”
You would be hard-pressed to find anyone on Earth kinder, warmer, or more fun than Ed. He always had an unforgettable story to tell or a song ready to share. While he will be deeply missed, there is so much comfort and joy in knowing he is reunited with Sue, surrounded by family, and throwing the grandest celebration Heaven has ever seen. You can bet there are guitars strumming, cigars lit, and cold pints raised high, with endless, roaring renditions of Ed’s theme song, “Kansas City Star!”
The family is deeply grateful to Riverside Internal Medicine, Riverside Walter Reed Emergency Department, Riverside Palliative Care, Riverside Hospice and all their friends and family for the overwhelming support and kindness shown throughout this difficult, yet beautiful journey. Lastly, they would like to express their love and gratitude to Robin, Haeleigh, Alexis and Kim for becoming a part of the family as they cared for Ed, allowing him to spend his final days at home.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 10 a.m. at O’Brien’s Funeral Home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a wake to follow. Friends and family gathered at the Gloucester Brewery on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. to raise a pint in Ed’s memory.
As a memorial to Ed, the family requests contributions be made to the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society, P.O. Box 385, Gloucester, Va. 23061.