Joan Marlene Fitzpatrick

Joan Marlene (Sinner) Fitzpatrick

1942-2024

Joan Marlene (Sinner) Fitzpatrick, 82, was born in Long Beach, CA, on January 24, 1942, and died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in Seal Beach, CA, on October 31, 2024.

Joan attended schools, including Stanford Middle School and Millikan High School, in her native Long Beach, graduating from high school in 1959. That same year, she married Bob (Fitz) Fitzpatrick at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Long Beach.

St. Joseph continued to play an important role in their lives, especially after Bob was hired in 1964 as a coach at the school and Joan came on board to manage and operate the “snack shack” for the next 10 plus years.

In 1970, Bob and Joan opened University Trophies, a business that allowed them to combine their love for sports, family, and community. While Bob coached, Joan managed the business while raising three young children. Today, 54 years later, University Trophies is still a thriving, family-owned operation.

For the past two decades, Joan and Bob enjoyed life in Leisure World in Seal Beach, but the duo also had an adventurous side and a love for travel, which led them on river-rafting expeditions; trips in hot-air balloons, gliders, blimps, and helicopters; and domestic and international cruises. Most of all, Joan loved to see her favorite singer, Johnny Mathis, perform live whenever he was in town.

Joan is preceded in death by her father, John Sinner; mother, Ruby Sinner; brother, Larry Sinner; and husband, Bob Fitzpatrick. She is survived by her daughter, Coleen (Fitzpatrick) Followell; sons, Tim Fitzpatrick and Shawn Fitzpatrick (Carrie Fitzpatrick); granddaughter, Shauna Followell; and countless others whose lives she touched. Joan leaves behind a legacy of love and strength, and she will forever live in our hearts.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, December 5, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 6220 E. Willow St., Long Beach, CA 90815 with an off-site reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift in Joan's memory to St. Joseph Elementary School in Long Beach, CA.