Patrick Michael Fitzgibbon, 69, of Traverse City, formerly of Saginaw, Michigan passed away peacefully on Monday, June 14, 2021 at Cherry Hill Haven, after a courageous battle with early onset Alzheimer's Disease.

Pat was born in Cadillac, Michigan on December 27, 1951 to the late Bill and Alma Fitzgibbon. Patrick grew up in Bullock Creek (Midland) with his siblings Tom, Kevin and Mary. After high school graduation he headed to the U.P. for college, following his brother Tom to Northern Michigan University. Pat received a Bachelor of Science degree from NMU in 1974. While at NMU in Marquette, Pat met Joan and they married in Iron Mountain, MI on August 17, 1974. He was employed for his entire career with the State of Michigan in Saginaw County. Pat worked in Children's Services and later as a Supervisor of Children's Protective Services. At age 55 he retired and he and Joan moved to Traverse City.

Pat is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joan, daughter, Erin (James) Robertson of Royal Oak, and son, Patrick (Allison) Fitzgibbon of Ferndale. Four grandchildren; Cameron and Parker Robertson, both serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Dylan and Louise Fitzgibbon, of Ferndale, also survive him. Pat's brother, Tom, predeceased him. Surviving siblings are Kevin (Craig Zeese) Fitzgibbon of St. Louis, MI and Mary Fitzgibbon of Boston, MA. Pat is also survived by close relatives Jean (David) Miller of Royal Oak, and Andrew Miller of Las Vegas, NV. Two nephews, Ian and Brian Miller, predeceased him. Also left behind, niece Alexandra Fitzgibbon, (Brett Campbell), great nieces Rylie and Bella Campbell, nephew Jesse (Brandy) Fitzgibbon, great niece Fiona Fitzgibbon, Sister-in-law Pamela (Peter) Schmidt, all of Traverse City. Pat also had many cousins in Midland, MI, all of whom shared in his idyllic childhood of camping, playing outside and large family gatherings. He leaves behind many special friends, most of whom shared his passion for the outdoors.

Throughout Pat's life he enjoyed outdoor activities - and he passed on that love to his children and grandchildren. He loved hiking year-round, kayaking, canoeing, cross country skiing, back packing, and snowshoeing. Bicycling, however, was his first and greatest love. He rode the TART nearly every day. He loved tinkering with and fixing bicycles. Pat did many long distance, multiple day rides through Michigan and Wisconsin with his biking friends. All of these activities were enjoyed well into his Alzheimer's journey.

Traveling was a passion he and Joan enjoyed together, going to destinations in Europe and the US even after his diagnosis. Staying physically fit was always a goal. Pat walked to downtown Traverse City for coffee every day until a few years ago. He also loved a good craft beer and visiting breweries.


A Celebration of Pat's life will take place at 11:30 a.m., with visiting starting at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, June 21, 2021 at the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, 1490 Red Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Please consider making a donation in Pat's honor to El Grupo Norte', a youth bicycling organization, or the Traverse Area Recreational Trail, which he rode often.

Thank you to the caring staffs at Willow Cottage and Cherry Hill Haven, for the excellent care Pat received for the past 18 months. Also, a huge thank you to wonderful friends and family who spent time, traveled, and helped us through the past 11 years of living well with Alzheimer's Disease.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Pat's family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.