John Joseph Fitzpatrick, M.D.
September 25, 1935 – August 7, 2025
John Joseph Fitzpatrick, 89, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 7, 2025, with his beloved wife, Mary, and their six children by his side.
Born on September 25, 1935, in Omaha, John was the youngest of James and Gladys Fitzpatrick’s five children and a lifelong devout Catholic. He attended Creighton Prep, Creighton University, and Creighton University School of Medicine. He completed an ophthalmology residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. In 1961, he married the love of his life, Mary. He served as lieutenant commander in the Navy as a physician at Portsmouth Naval Hospital from 1965 to 1967.
After his service, John returned to Omaha, opened his own ophthalmology practice, and eventually mentored his daughter, Dr. Anne, to continue his legacy of excellent patient care. His faith was at the core of his life, and his actions reflected it to everyone who knew him. He frequently volunteered as a reader at Mass for the homebound.
Above all, John was a devoted husband, a father of seven, grandfather of twelve, and a great- grandfather. He was kind, witty, and always had a sparkle in his eye, whether he was solving a tough math problem at the kitchen table or playing piano. In his spare time, he loved reading and gardening.
John was preceded in death by his parents, James and Gladys Fitzpatrick; brother, James (Irene), Robert (Patricia), Patricia, and Raymond, his in-laws, Carl and Cecilia Heine; brother-in- law, Carl Heine Jr.; and infant son, John Francis. John is survived by his wife, Mary and their six children: Mary Graft (Bill), Jeanne Baker (Jeff), Ellen Fitzpatrick (Chris Mihy), Anne Fitzpatrick (Mitch Krueger), Elizabeth Fitzpatrick (Carlos Noel), and Thomas Fitzpatrick; 12 grandchildren: William, John, Elizabeth, James, Ben, Tommy, Sarah, Katherine, Jane, John, Charlotte and Colette; great-grandchild: Seamus; many nieces and nephews.
VIGIL: Sunday, August 10, 2025, 7:00PM with VISITATION beginning at 5:00PM at the West Center Chapel.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, August 11, 2025, 11:00AM, Mary Our Queen Catholic Church, 3405 S. 118th St., Omaha.
INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Creighton Prep, Monastery of St. Clare, and Mary Our Queen parish.
To view live broadcasts of the services, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
18 Comments
Dr. Fitzpatrick was an amazing Eye Doctor and an intelligent , kind, and caring man. He became my Eye Doctor in 1980. He was always very thorough and reassuring. He provided my eye care for almost 40 years. My vision today is largely do to his skill and care. He was a great man. I will miss seeing him. Thoughts and prayers to Dr. Fitzpatrick and his family
What a blessing and privilege it is to have known Dr. John Fitzpatrick! He radiated God’s warmth and love in such a transparent way. For his lovely family, I am truly sorry for your loss… but I know that you have now a powerful intercessor in heaven. Prayers for you all as you offer him home to the Lord he served so faithfully and with so much joy.
Dr. Fitzpatrick was recommended to us back in 1976 for our infant son. I still clearly remember his kind and caring manner and what an excellent doctor he was. Our son was only 9 months old when he had to be put under to probe his chronic plugged tear duct. I always recommended Dr. Fitzpatrick o anyone who wanted an awesome eye doctor. He truly was one of the best! I’m so sorry for your loss.
John was a very good man., I always remember him as quiet and helpful to other people . My condolence goes out to the family. God bless Paul and Ingrid
I am so sorry for the loss of Dr. Fitzpatrick. He was a wonderful doctor and a wonderful man. I started seeing Dr. Fitzpatrick shortly after he began his practice and wouldn’t consider going to anyone else until he gradually introduced his patients to his daughter, Dr. Anne Fitzpatrick, and grew to trust Dr. Anne as much as I trusted her wonderful father. Our condolences and prayers to the Fitzpatrick family.
I am saddened that the world has lost this bright, wonderful man. He was my eye doctor for a long time until he turned me over to the wonderful Dr. Anne. He was always cheerful and always greeted me with a warm smile. My sincere condolences to his family.
Dear Mary,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your entire family!
Dr. John was a wonderful doctor and a wonderful man!
He was kind, caring, intelligent and fun. He was always interested in the other person. We happily recall the many fond memories of our times together.
May God give you extra strength and courage during this sad and difficult time. The world was blessed by Dr. John Fitzpatrick’s presence! Our love to you, Mary, and your beautiful family.
I was so glad to recently see John and Mary, in Scottsdale at Ellen’s home. It was wonderful to spend time with my dear friend. I know. Dr. John helped so many people in his medical practice, helping to improve their vision and improve their quality of life. I send God’s blessings to John, Mary and family. I will be celebrating a mass in his honor. He will be greatly missed by all of us. As the famous lyrics go ….
“When Irish eyes are smiling, sure, ‘‘tis like the morn in Spring. all the world feels bright and gay. In the lilt of Irish laughter, you can hear the angels sing. When Irish hearts are happy, all the world seems bright and gay. And when Irish eyes are smiling, sure, they steal your heart away.”
So many great memories with your family. You all will be in my prayers during this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss. We had so much fun when you came in the Greek Islands!! He will always be remembered. God Bless his beautiful family!!
I am so sorry for your loss. Your husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa will be greatly missed by many. He was a caring person both personally and professionally!! May he enjoy heaven!!
Good Christian man , We will all miss him.
Such a great kind man who passed on his skills to Dr. Ann, many years of care for us and truly one of the great mean for others. Miss seeing him on Mass for shut ins as wee!,may the warm memories surround you and keep you in God’s arms
My sincere condolences to the entire FitzpatrIck family. Dr. Fitzpatrick was always a very nice man when I was growing up next door. He was truly a man for others. Rest in peace.
Dr Fitzpat was a good next door neighbor and saw to Mom & Dad’s eye care from the late 60s. The folks thought he was the best. God’s peace to Doc’s very blessed family.
Bill & Mark Harrington
Over the years I gave anesthesia for eve surgeries for many many cases with Dr. John. He was one of the most personable and professional doctors that I worked with. A great pleasure. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family and friends.
And special condolences to my forever friends, Dr. Ann and Mitch. All my love.
To the Fitzpatrick family, my condolences. I remember Dr. Fitzpatrick as very kind.
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He had his insurance with us for many years and was always a joy to talk to over the phone or in person when he would stop in our office. He was truly one of our favorite customers.
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