Richard E. Fitzpatrick ’66

After a courageous battle with metastatic prostate cancer, Fitz died from unexpected complications July 12, 2014, at home in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., surrounded by his family.

Fitz came to Princeton from Atlanta, where he was president of his class at Northside High School, president of the Interclass Council, and a member of the football and track teams.

At Princeton he majored in biology, belonged to Cannon Club, and played football and rugby. After graduation he returned to Atlanta for medical school at Emory University. He completed his internship at the University of Southern California and a dermatology residency at UCLA. He served in the Navy, reaching the rank of commander.

Fitz had a brilliant medical career and was recognized worldwide as the father of laser resurfacing. Despite serious health problems in recent years, he maintained his lifelong positive attitude, working full time until the very end. His pride in being part of Princeton, the Class of ’66, and Cannon Club never left him.

Fitz was a loving family man, devoted to his wife, Betsy; daughters Palmer, Elizabeth, Maggi, and Caitlin; and son Ted. The class shares their sense of loss and extends its condolences to them.