Msgr. Thomas Bernard Fitzsimmons, 85, a priest of the Diocese of Camden for more than 60 years, died April 29.
Born July 28, 1937, in Newark, he studied in Rome’s North American College before being ordained there on Dec. 19, 1962. His first assignment was a three-month summer position as parochial vicar at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Atlantic City.
Msgr. Fitzsimmons served as pastor of Our Lady of the Lakes, Collings Lakes (1983-1989); Saint Luke, Stratford (1989-2000); and Saint Ann, Wildwood (2000-2009), before retiring in 2009. He had been a resident of Sea Isle City and assisted at Saint Joseph Parish during his retirement.
From the 1960s to the 1990s, he served many years with the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, serving as temporary chairman in 1982, and chairman in 1983 and 1984. Msgr. Fitzsimmons was also on the faculty at Gloucester Catholic High School, served as chaplain at Glassboro College (now Rowan University), was a member of the Presbyteral Council, and was a member of the Vocations Advisory Board.
He was predeceased in death by his brother, Msgr. Eugene J. Fitzsimmons, as well as a sister, Irene Fitzsimmons. He is survived by another sister, Margaret M. Fitzsimmons, and several cousins.
A viewing will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. May 3 at Saint Joseph Church, 126 44th Street, Sea Isle City. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan will follow the viewing. Father Joseph A. Perreault will be the homilist.
Burial will take place at New Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Diocese of Camden, 631 Market St., Camden, N.J., 08102.
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