FitzPatrick, William

William FitzPatrick (1846-1881), Catholic priest, was born in St. John's, Newfoundland, on 23 January 1846, the son of William and Mary (Morey) Fitzpatrick. After completing high school at St. Bonaventure's College, St. John's (1866), he began his studies for the priesthood at All Hallows College, Dublin, Ireland. He was ordained a priest by Bishop Thomas Joseph Power in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, St. John's in 1870.

Rev. FitzPatrick served as a curate at the Cathedral Parish in St. John's from 1870-72. In 1872, he was appointed a professor at St. Bonaventure's College, and he became president of the college in 1878. He died of tuberculosis in St. John's 4 January 1881. He was buried in his family's plot, Belvedere Cemetery, St. John's.

Shortly after his death, an article in The Adelphian, a St. Bonaventure's publication, noted that during his time at the college, Rev. FitzPatrick had been in ill-health and had often been confined to his room. Nevertheless, he made a significant impact on the students. He was also a supporter of the Irish Christian Brothers, providing accommodations for them in St. Bonaventure's College during the construction of Mount St. Francis Monastery.

Created - April 29, 2013

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