John Michael FitzPatrick

John Michael FitzPatrick

John Michael FitzPatrick, of the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia, died peacefully at home on Sunday, August 30, 2025. He was 67.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pa., he grew up in Linwood, N.J., where he graduated from Mainland Regional High School in 1976. He later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

Known as Michael to friends, family and colleagues, he had a diverse career in business management in a variety of industries including hospitality, politics and stagecraft. Most recently, he was a manager for a company that transforms building interiors into green spaces.

His career included working as Outreach Director for Liberty PA, a political action committee supporting LGBT voter engagement for Tom Wolf's 2014 gubernatorial campaign. At Curbside Hospitality, a hospital parking and hospitality provider, he was Client Operations Director and Regional Manager. He led event production as a Vice President at Q We Get It, an event management firm, and served as Chief of Staff at Campus Dimensions/FrontLine Event Marketing, a marketing agency. He also led development at the non-profit AIDS Delaware organization.

As an entrepreneur, he was founding president and managing partner of Design Imagery in Northfield, N.J., creating sets and scenery for shows and events at Atlantic City casinos.

Staunch in his beliefs, Michael was committed to community causes professionally, and in his free time. He volunteered for the AIDS Law Project Fundraising Committee, Friends of Morris Park Fundraising Committee, Independence Business Alliance (LGBT Chamber of Commerce), and Equality Pennsylvania.

A lifelong automobile enthusiast, Michael's passion for cars began during childhood when he often pretended to be behind the wheel. Fearing he might damage the dinner plates, his father bought him a junkyard steering wheel to protect the dishes from Michael's enthusiastic play. Michael later enjoyed visiting automobile museums and watching car auctions on television.

As a teenager and young adult, he was active in musical theater, performing in high school productions of Guys and Dolls and You Can't Take It With You, and later, in Fiddler on the Roof at the 76 House Dinner Theater in Cape May Court House, N.J. He also performed as part of a roaming cast of medieval characters at Historic Smithville in Galloway, N.J.

In recent years, Michael became an avid Philadelphia Phillies fan, attending games and texting with his brother, James, who watched on TV, while Michael preferred listening on the radio, especially the Phillies Round Table postgame show.

He is survived by his younger siblings: a sister, Jeanne, and her longtime companion, Boyd Maits, of Bryn Mawr, Pa.; a brother, James, and his wife, Karen (née Salvo), of Hammonton, N.J.; his niece, Caroline FitzPatrick, of Haddonfield, N.J.; and many cousins.

He was predeceased by his longtime companion, Ken Genghini; his parents, John and Marian (née Busillo) FitzPatrick; and his niece, Emily FitzPatrick.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Good360. See www.good360.org.

Services will be private.