Fitzpatrick, Edward Ray

Edward Ray Fitzpatrick, 91, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, at Living Center East after a short illness. Services: 1 p.m. Saturday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Burial, with military rites: Mount Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday.

Survivors include three daughters, Susan Fitzpatrick of Cedar Rapids, Patricia Bricco-Volden of Marion and Rebecca (Mark) Fitzpatrick-Conway of Lansing; a son, Michael (Barbara) of Solon; two brothers, Thomas (Joan) and Donie (Lola), two sisters, Shirley May and Barbara Driscoll, and a sister-in-law, Betty, all of Arizona. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Laine and Ryan Volden, William Fitzpatrick, Bryce and Dustyn Conway, Danielle Egan, Brookelyn and Blayke Conway; 11 great-grandchildren; good friends, Don Orris and Bob Vavra; and his two dogs, Mariah and Issabella.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; half brother, James T.; three brothers, Irving J., James B. and Leo L.; and one sister, Marguerite “Judy” Fitzpatrick.

Ed was born Jan. 8, 1921, in Olin, the son of James and Rena Tarbox Fitzpatrick. He married Helen M. Schmidt on March 15, 1946, in Cedar Rapids. She died in 2006. Ed was co-owner and vice president of E & F Cement & Asphaltic Concrete Company Inc. of Cedar Rapids, which was founded in 1964. He was identified with cement finishing, general construction and contracting, retiring from E & F after more than 50 years. In the early 1950s, he was co-owner of the Fitzpatrick Concrete Co. of Cedar Rapids with brothers Irving, Leo, Thomas and Donie.

Ed was a member of American Legion Hanford Post 5 and VFW, as well as proudly serving with distinction in the South Pacific in the Army Air Corps during World War II, receiving six bronze stars, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Ribbon with one Silver Star and one Bronze Star; and Philippines Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star. He also was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Cited and Entitled to wear the World War II Victory Medal, One Service Stripe and Four Overseas Service Bars. He spent more than 30 months overseas participating in the following campaigns: Southern Philippines, Borneo China, Western Pacific, Luzon and New Guinea, obtaining the rank of staff sergeant.

He was an avid golfer and especially enjoyed the time he spent with his many friends and beloved family.

A memorial fund has been established in Ed's name.

Published Oct. 12, 2012 in The Gazette