Ex-U.S. Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania has died at age 56

Michael Fitzpatrick, a former congressman from the Philly area, has passed away at age 56.

Fitzpatrick served four terms in the House. When he left in 2016, his brother, Brian, a former FBI agent, took the seat which he continues to hold.

Brain shared a poignant post about his loss on social media, which read, “My heart is broken. My big brother Mike was my hero and my best friend. Ever since I was little, I wanted to live up to him and be just like Mike in every way. He was the greatest brother and the greatest public servant our community has ever known. His twelve-year courageous battle with cancer has taught our entire family his values of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. Mike has forever touched the lives of so many in our community. Young, old, and everyone in between. Our Heavenly Father has called him home. He has gone from my hero to my guardian angel. I love you so much big brother. And I will see you soon.”

 

Fitzpatrick died Monday after battling melanoma.

The family shared a statement Monday via county Republican Party officials. The statement read, “Michael Fitzpatrick passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by family, after a long and arduous battle with melanoma.”

Fitzpatrick also served as the Bucks County commissioner. During Fitzpatrick’s time in Congress, he helped establish Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

Gov. Wolf shared a statement about Fitzpatrick’s death saying,“Mike Fitzpatrick honorably served Bucks County as a commissioner and as a congressman, fighting to make our communities stronger and find compromise in a bipartisan way,” 

Wolf added, “After receiving a cancer diagnosis in the prime of his life, he chose to not just courageously fight, but to share his story with the hope of giving strength to others. He will be greatly missed, and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

Fitzpatrick is survived by his wife and six children.