Paul William Fitzpatrick Jr.

Paul William Fitzpatrick Jr., age 75, of Hickory, North Carolina, went to be with our Lord on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Born on March 24, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri, to the late Paul W. and Dolores M. Fitzpatrick, Paul grew up with a strong sense of duty and family values.

He graduated from Palmdale High School in Palmdale, California, in June 1969. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country as an Airborne Ranger with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam from November 12, 1970, to August 2, 1971. He was later stationed at Fort Campbell with the 101st Airborne Division before receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1972.

On April 8, 1978, Paul married the love of his life, Sandra Fitzpatrick (née Zeilinger). Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and cherished memories.

Paul was preceded in death by his father Paul, mother Dolores, sister Jean, and brother Danny.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Sandra; his sister Marianne; his brother Richard; nieces Lori, Shannon, Brandy, and Ashlee; nephews David, Richard, Shaun, Robert Jr., and Connor; and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews who brought him great joy.

Paul had a deep love for fishing and, above all, treasured the time spent with his family. His quiet strength, dedication to his country, and devotion to his loved ones will be remembered by all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Paul’s memory to a veterans’ organization of your choice.

The Fitzpatrick family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals. For additional information, please call (828) 855-3350.