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June 13, 2021
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Dr. Richard (Dick) Fitzpatrick, Upper Freehold Regional School District Superintendent of Schools from 2007 to 2018 has passed away. The notification was emailed and posted online in a statement from Mark Guterl the current Superintendent of Schools. The full statement below:
Dear UFRSD Community,
It is with tremendous sadness that I report the passing of our former beloved Superintendent, Dr. Richard (Dick) Fitzpatrick. Dick’s tenure in the UFRSD was transformative, student-centered and impactful. It is a sad day in the UFRSD, but our many wonderful memories of Dr. Fitzpatrick will definitely be in the forefront of our feelings soon.
Dr. Fitzptrick came to the district in 2007 with an unmatched energy and passion for kids. Anyone who knew Dick or came into contact with him knows that he loved our students…”his kids.” His love for students and people was the foundation for every decision he made, and became the central focus of the UFRSD’s transformation academically and culturally. Patrick Nolan, Board of Education President recalls, “Dr. Fitzpatrick came to us at a moment of great growth in our communities and transition in our district. He influenced our evolution in so many areas, including our current curriculum and our hiring practices. Most of all, he was the biggest cheerleader for our students, no matter what they were doing. Many of the accolades that our district currently enjoys are a result of his passionate leadership. He touched the lives of so many here, and we owe him great thanks.” Dick’s impact on the district will be lasting.
Dick’s belief in our staff and his love for the community was also witnessed day in and day out. He was constantly on the move and loved interacting with as many people as he could every single day of school. Whenever you were talking with Dick, you felt as if you were the only one that mattered at that moment. His personal attention to every member of our district and community gave everyone a model of what it meant to always put people first.
For those who didn’t know Dr. Fitzpatrick, you should know that he would do anything for anyone and was definitely focused on doing whatever he could to make a difference. He cherished his large family and his numerous grandchildren. He loved working with Villages in Partnership and the people of Malawi. He thought highly of the entire community and alway felt that this was a special place to work. Dick believed in kids and loved them as if they were his own. He preached that if students did their “personal best” there was nothing that could stop them.
Fortunately, Dr. Fitzpatrick made all of us want to do our “personal best,” which motivated everyone to be better. This I guess is central to what Dick did for all of us, make us better. The UFRSD will forever be grateful to have had Dick Fitzpatrick as a part of our family.
Dick Fitzpatrick – Superintendent of Schools – 2007 – 2018; Cheerleader for the UFRSDl – Forever.
My best,
Mark Guterl
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Richard (Dick) Fitzpatrick, Upper Freehold Regional School District, Superintendent of Schools from 2007 to 2018 was entered into the Allentown High School Hall of Fame on May 22, 2019. Upper Freehold Regional School District Facebook & Twitter Photo
Dr. Dick Fitzpatrick (Superintendent of Schools at Upper Freehold Regional School District) for receiving the Honorary American FFA Degree in 2013 Photo: NJ FFA Association
Special visitor—Dr. Fitzpatrick-to celebrate the 100th Day of School and Valentine’s Day! He’s wearing 100 Get Well cards from his UFRSD family!! pic.twitter.com/o9OuaIeTbb
— Kelly Huggins (@NewellES) February 14, 2019