Denis Michael Fitzpatrick, 1949-2010

Denis Michael Fitzpatrick's passion was directing.

Fitzpatrick directed four productions for The Concord Players, the last being "Lion in Winter" two years ago, and eight productions for the Arlington Friends of the Drama.

But for those who knew him, Fitzpatrick took the skills he learned from the stage to the field of education.

From the time as a student teacher in New York City to his position as assistant superintendent of the Belmont School District, Fitzpatrick would bring together individuals to work towards a common goal, whether putting together an English study plan to the hiring of a district superintendent

"It was like 'here's the script and I'm going to bring out the best in you'," said Laurie Graham, current school committee member who worked on the search committee with Fitzpatrick that ultimately hired current Superintendent George Entwistle.

"He understood that it took everyone, from the lead to the bit parts to work as a team for the goals to be met," she said.

Fitzpatrick, who spent more than two decades in the Belmont school system as a teacher and in administration, died Sunday, July 11, 2010. He was 60.

The cause was cancer, according to multiple sources.

Fitzpatrick was born in 1949 in New York City. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Fordham University and his Master of Arts degree in English from Georgetown University.

Prior to his coming to Belmont, Fitzpatrick was a teacher, department head, and secondary language arts specialist of the Pinellas County Schools in Largo, Florida.  Later he served as the English Department Chairman for the Somerville Public Schools.

Mr. Fitzpatrick joined the Belmont Public Schools in September 1993 as the Director of English. 

He provided distinguished leadership to that program which includes oversight of the elementary and middle school reading programs, the K-12 English Language Learner Program, and the K-12 English Language Arts Program.

Add to that working on four major search committees, monitoring state tests and using that information to help teachers, taking on grant writing and monitoring all MCAS scores throughout the system providing data analysis and guidance to staff as to the ways instruction might be improved to target areas of the curriculum that require additional attention. 

"He was loyal to the staff he instructed and he was loved by them," said Graham.

He was appointed assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in 2008.

While a major strength was administration, Fitzpatrick's first love was teaching English. He worked with his fellow teachers to update the language arts curriculum to comply with state guidelines and developed English for non-native English speaking student programs and for those who struggled with the subject.

"I remember him always stressing the idea that English

Language skills - reading, understanding, critical thinking, writing – pervade everything in any academic pursuit or career you choose," said John Bowe, former school committee member and chairman.

"He said it was critical whether you read classical literature, write technical documents for genetic engineering, build a house, or just want to be an good citizen," said Bowe.

That dedication to language was one of the reasons he helped the library set up and run the "One Book, One Belmont" program, promoting community through reading.

But above all, Fitzpatrick was a joy to be with, said Graham.

During the search for the current superintendent, Graham and Fitzpatrick would drive the two hours to Maine and back a number of times.

"And it was great. Denis was so bright and funny with a real biting wit but never in a nasty way," she said.

"I loved his dry sense of humor and remember chuckling the first time - which was by no means the only - I heard a string of colorful swear words come from him, the day after an especially unpleasant meeting," remembers Bowe.

He also was passionate about all aspects of the theater, and in addition to contributing his acting and directing talents, could often be found at Arlington Friends of Drama in paint-splattered clothes, fixing scenery, dutchmaning flats, and lending his eye for design in arranging sets.

Fitzpatrick is survived by his son, Christopher – who continues his father's legacy as a teaching assistant at the Chenery Middle School – two brothers, John and Thomas, a sister, Mary, 14 nieces and nephews and many beloved friends.

A memorial reception to honor Denis will be held on Wednesday, July 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Chenery Middle School Community Room, 95 Washington Street in Belmont.

There will also be a gathering for family and friends on Thursday, July 15, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at DeVito Funeral Home, 1145 Mass Ave., Arlington, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m., at St. Camillus Parish, 1185 Concord Turnpike, Arlington.

Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Denis M. Fitzpatrick Book Award at Belmont High School. This award will be given annually to a senior student selected by the English Department. Please send contributions to Town of Belmont; Attention Floyd Carmen; P.O. Box 56; Belmont, MA 02478 (Checks made payable to the Denis M. Fitzpatrick Book Award).

Contributions can also be made to the Denis Fitzpatrick Arlington Friends of the Drama Scholarship to be awarded annually to a graduating senior from Arlington High School, who is interested in continuing studies and participation in the dramatic arts. Please send checks to the Denis Fitzpatrick Scholarship, Arlington Friends of the Drama, 22 Academy Street, Arlington, MA 02476.