‘Father Pat,’ 81, liaison to NYPD
FATHER PATRICK Fitzgerald of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Manhattan, who served as clergy liaison for the NYPD’s Midtown South Precinct, has died. He was 81.
Fitzgerald died at New York University Medical Center on Tuesday.
Better known by friends and congregants as Father Pat, Fitzgerald was a native of Buffalo.
He was ordained as a Franciscan priest in 1961.
During his theological studies he was a classmate and good friend of Father Mychal Judge, who worked as a chaplain for the FDNY and was killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
“He was a true Franciscan in the sense that he was a priest who put you at ease,” former Daily News columnist Michael Daly said of Fitzgerald.
“Instead of making you watch your step, he invited you to walk along with him.”
Fitzgerald spent much of his life working in education before heading the senior services program at St. Francis.
The affable holy man received his master’s degree in education from St. Bonaventure University in 1970 and worked as the school’s Director of Student Activities for more than 15 years.
During his time at the college, Fitzgerald organized numerous plays and concerts on campus including performances by Bruce Springsteen and David Bromberg.
In 1985, Fitzgerald sought a change and was assigned to the pastoral staff at St. Francis of Assisi — quickly becoming a popular pres- ence in the Herald Square area.
A baseball fan known for his quick wit and storytelling, Fitzgerald was rarely seen outside the St. Francis rectory on W. 31st St. without his beloved navy blue Yankees hat.
“He was a gentleman,” said retired police officer Richard Manion, who would often run into Father Pat while walking his footpost.
“He was just a kind man, a real presence in the neighborhood. He will be missed.”
A wake will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 135 W. 31st St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Francis.