Thomas Jay Fitzpatrick

Thomas “Jay” Fitzpatrick, 84, of Bettendorf, Iowa, passed away peacefully after a brave battle with cancer on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice surrounded by loved ones.

Jay was born June 26, 1941, in Rock Island to Francis “Fran” and Ferris (Hyett) Fitzpatrick. Jay graduated from Iowa State with a bachelor’s degree in dairy science and was a member of the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity, making many friendships that continue to this day.

Following graduation, Jay went to work in advertising for the Dekalb Agricultural Association. It was there that he met Mary Ellen Modeen and they were united in marriage on May 21, 1966, in Dekalb, IL. Jay transitioned into sales and his career took the family to Maryland and Michigan. Their investment in Casey’s General Stores eventually brought them back to Reynolds, IL where Jay grew up. Coming back to Reynolds meant returning to the fields, quiet roads, and community that shaped his childhood and remained dear to his heart.

Family was first in Jay’s life, and he rarely missed an event his children and grandchildren participated in. He and his wife spent countless days fishing all across the country, rooting for his ISU Cyclones, and building his impressive model train collection. He was never idle – always working on a project or helping someone else with theirs. Jay never met a stranger, no matter where he went, he would run into someone he knew or found a connection to someone they had in common.

His father was a Second Lieutenant in the Army and was killed in action in France on September 18, 1944. One of Jay’s greatest life passions was uncovering the story of his father’s final days in World War II. His years of research led he and his wife to the very battlefields where his father fell, a journey that brought him both understanding and peace.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ellen; children Matthew (Valentina) Fitzpatrick of Portland, OR, Susan Brooks of Des Moines, Sara (Steve) Swanson of Bettendorf, and; grandchildren Louis, Thomas, and Francis Brooks, JMichael, Ava, and Jett Young; siblings Susan Fitzpatrick of Albuquerque, NM, Greg (Toni) Schaefer of Marion, IA, Joe Schaefer of Burlington, WI, MaryAnn (Greg) Dombrowski of Verona, WI, and Mark (Sue) Schaefer of Lee’s Summit, MO; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Francis Fitzpatrick and his mother Ferris Schaefer.

Family will receive guests in the back of the church from 10-11a.m. Friday, March 27, 2026 with Funeral service and Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Bettendorf. Private inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House or Wounded Warrior Project.

Online remembrances may be expressed at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.