ROBERT A. ‘THUNDER’ FITZPATRICK, SR., HOULTON – Robert A. ‘Thunder’ Fitzpatrick Sr., 81, passed away Tuesday August 22, 2017 at a Houlton healthcare facility. He was born July 28, 1936, in Houlton, the son of Anthony W. and Mary (Watson) Fitzpatrick.
Robert grew up in Houlton and attended local schools. He went to work full time as a truck driver at the age of fifteen and also raised potatoes and cattle. He loved trucking and met many people and gave many rides during his years on the road. Robert married Chevala Melvin in 1957 and together they would raise four children. He will be remembered as being a dedicated family man, who was generous to friend and stranger alike. Robert never met a stranger, just a friend he hadn’t met yet.
He is survived by his wife Chevala (Melvin) Fitzpatrick of Littleton, four children, Robert Fitzpatrick Jr. and his special companion Jami Cass, of Littleton and her three children, Sydney, Maxwell, and Duncan, Joy Lovely of Littleton, David Fitzpatrick and his wife Heidi of Houlton, Shelley Farrar and her husband Ronald of Florida, six grandchildren, Justin Lovely and his wife Hollie, Robin Lovely, Jacob Fitzpatrick, Galen Farrar and his wife Rhiannon, Gregory Farrar and his fiancé Kaylan Bradley, Jeremy Fitzpatrick and special friend Darcie Campbell McCarthy, two great-grandchildren Jordyn Lovely and Amelia Farrar. He also leaves behind three brothers, Donald Fitzpatrick Sr. and his wife Dorothy, Harold Fitzpatrick and his wife Judy, Francis Fitzpatrick and his wife Nancy all of Houlton, two sisters, Joanne Bradshaw and her husband Charles of Exeter, Jeanne Steuernagel and her husband Bill of Florida, a sister-in-law Janet Melvin, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the nurses, especially Lois, and staff at Brewer Rehab and Gardiner Healthcare Facility along with Dr. Abouleish for all of their care and compassion during this time. Friends called 9 a.m. Monday, August 28, 2017 at St. Mary of the Visitation Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. with Father Kent Ouellette celebrant. A time of refreshment was held immediately following the service at St. Anthony’s Hall. A private committal took place following the reception. Those who wish to remember Bob in a special way may make gifts payable in his memory to the Houlton Humane Society or to a charity of one’s choice in c/o Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730. Online condolences and guest book: dunnfuneral.com
