John Joseph Fitzsimmons
April 06, 1922 - October 28, 2010
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John Joseph Fitzsimmons
April 06, 1922 - October 28, 2010
Obituary
John J. Fitzsimmons, aged 88, passed away October 28, 2010 in Encinitas, CA.
Private viewing and rosary to be said at O’Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills on Wednesday November 3, 2010 at 7:00 pm.
John, born April 6, 1922, the eldest of two children born to Michael Fitzsimmons and Catherine ‘Jo’ Blake Fitzsimmons is survived by his brother, Michael; daughter, Debbi O’Callahan; son, Greg Fitzsimmons; four grandchildren and 3 great-grandsons.
John, the son of Irish immigrants, was a self-made engineer who owned and operated California Cutting Tools with his wife of 45 years, Irene Fitzsimmons, who passed away on November 21, 1994.
John served his country with great pride in World War II as a Communications Officer in the Merchant Marines. He later wed the love of his life on November 11, 1949. Together, Irene and John lovingly raised their two children and shared many happy decades of joyous marriage.
John is known among those who love him, those who have known him and all those who have crossed his path as a man of great charisma and character; a man with the adept ability to tell a story and illicit laughter in the manner known and mastered by the Irish. He was an avid reader, writer and traveler, a lover of culture, education, language, art and family.
John’s life, encompassed by the grand stories that swell in our memories, the wisdom he has imparted, the great love he offered, and the determined will be passed down through the generations, will live on through time in the hands of those who have held his own as he departs us now in the same grace with which he lived.
We Love you, Johnny. God Speed.
Condolences may be sent to O’Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills.
4 responses to John Joseph Fitzsimmons
Karen Everhart says:
November 1, 2010
Sending my sincerest condolence to John’s family.
May the Lord bless all his family and may angels comfort those he loved so much. May his soul rest in peace with his dearly beloved wife.
Greg J Fitzsimmons says:
November 7, 2010
Dad you have been a very private and independent gentleman. You never appeared to need help from others yet always willing to help others when needed. You will be missed but never forgotten. I know you are with Mom now and looking after all of us. We will all be together as Gods masterplan takes place in our time. Miss you Dad.
hank hallmark says:
May 27, 2024
Greg, I knew John about 15-20 years ago when he had a cabin in Wrightwood. We had a mutual friend Linda Hadman!
My reason for writing you is the Wrightwood Veterans just celebrated our 16th Memorial Day event and they read the names of Veterans who had a connection to Wrightwood for the purpose of putting a Memorial Brick in the Memorial Brick Courtyard which is part of the Memorial which the community established about 17 years ago.
When I was helping design the monument, I insisted that the Merchant marines have a plaque on the monument. My problem was I could not find a Merchant Marine in Wrightwood to honor with a brick.
John stepped forward and told me he was in the Merchant Marines and a little about his service in WW II.
I cannot locate a brick for him and I want to put on in the courtyard to honor him but I need a little more information about his service if available.
His length of service, rank and the ship he served on!
Thanks for your assistance on helping me to honor your Dad with a Memorial Brick!
If you wish to visit our website and view the memorial google Wrightwood Vterans Memorial.
Hank Hallmark, POB 3148 Wrightwood, CA 92397 760-249-3069 thehallmarks@verizon.net
Greg Fitzsimmons says:
October 22, 2021
Just a brief note to let my Dad and Mom know that all their sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. Both Johnny and Irene spent their life to make a better life for both their son and daughter. I recall many memories of fun and the regular pains of doing good for their family. Everyone always wants to leave a better world for their sons, daughters, and grandchildren. With all their struggles and the good times, I can say they should be very proud. Many years later since leaving us I can say all their unselfish commitments are so well appreciated. I know they would be proud and I understand that their commitment to living a moral and prosperous life was not only right but it was unselfish. I only hope that what they instilled in me will continue to be recognized for the better of what our people do today. God bless both of you, and may a lite continue to shine forever every day till internity.