Thomas D. Fitzpatrick

Friday, September 11, 2009

Thomas D. Fitzpatrick, 83, of Greencastle died Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009 at his residence.

Born May 1, 1926 in Reynolds, Ill., he was the son of Thomas J. and Agnes K. Kelly Fitzpatrick. He married Jeanne Hinkle on Aug. 9, 1958, and she survives.

Mr. Fitzpatrick was a Professor of Voice with DePauw University, retiring in 1991, having taught for 28 years. He had also served as Director of Opera/Musical Theatre and Chairman of the Voice Department.

Mr. Fitzpatrick had an A.B., Music Education from St. Ambrose College; a B.S., Music Performance, from Juilliard School of Music; an Artist Diploma, from Rome Opera School, Italy; and his M.Mus., from Indiana University. He had performance scholarships at all the above institutions. A Fulbright Grant for study in Italy; Ford Humanities Grant for study and research in Vienna and Italy; six Faculty Improvement Grants for advanced degree in study; Faculty Development Grant for research in vocal literature and musical theatre curricula.

His teaching experience included Cosmopolitan School of Music, Chicago; University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point; Indiana University, Bloomington; and DePauw University.

Professional memberships include National Association of Teachers of Singing and NATSAA Audition Adjudicator; Metropolitan Opera Auditions Adjudicator; National Opera Association; and Pi Kappa Lambda, President of Omicron Chapter.

After graduation from St. Ambrose and Juilliard, Fitzpatrick went to Italy as a Fulbright Scholar. He made his European debut with the Rome Opera Company as lead tenor in "Madame Butterfly." He concertized in Italy, Germany and Austria. In Vienna, he was leading tenor in performances during the Summer Festival.

Upon completion of engagement in Spoleto, Florence and Rome, he returned to the United States where he continued his singing career along with serving as Professor of Voice, Chairman of the Voice Department, and Director of Opera/Musical Theatre at DePauw. He had extensive experience in many performance media, i.e., opera, concert, television, and radio. Solo appearances include CBS radio and television, network shows in New York City and Chicago, the NBC Symphony and Artists Showcase in Chicago, and the Indianapolis Symphony on NBC television. Opera appearances, one being a World Premier, took place in Rome, Spoleto, Chicago, Aspen, Denver and Dallas, among others.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Tom Fitzpatrick and wife Mary of Weyauwega, Wis.; and three grandchildren, Michael, Grace and Trevor Fitzpatrick.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, John W. Fitzpatrick; brother, Francis Fitzpatrick; and two sisters, Margaret Montz and Kathleen Mandeville.

On Sept. 19, a memorial service, with Father Stephen Jarrell as celebrant, will be held with Mass beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 202 E. Washington, Greencastle. Inurnment services will follow at the Forest Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fitzpatrick Opera Award, c/o DePauw University Development Office 300 E. Seminary St. Greencastle, IN 46135-0037.

Income from the fund provides an award presented to a graduating senior vocalist who has contributed the most to opera/musical theatre productions presented while at DePauw University.

Condolences may be shared with the family c/o www.bittlesandhurt.com