It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Dr. Fitzsimmons passed away on Tuesday morning.
A viewing will be held on Friday, March 31 from 4-8 PM with a Rosary at 6 PM at Darling & Fischer Chapel of the Hills, 615 North Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, Ca. 95030 (408) 354-7740.
A funeral will be held on Saturday April 1 at Sacred Heart Parish, 13716 Saratoga Ave., Saratoga, Ca., 95070, (408) 867-3634 with the Mass starting at 11AM. A Graveside Service will be held at 1 PM at the Madronia Cemetery, 14766 Oak Street, Saratoga, Ca. 95070 (408) 867-3717.
If you plan on attending please email Maureen Fitzsimmons.
Sincerely,
Keith Watanabe
His local paper reported:
Joseph J, Fitzsimmons M.D.
Jan 31, 1924 – Mar 28, 2017
Resident of Saratoga
Passed away peacefully on Tuesday. Born in Piqua, Ohio, he served in the Army during World War II, graduated from Marquette Medical School and became an orthopedic surgeon. In 1957, he moved to the Santa Clara Valley where he started his medical practice and along with his wife, Ann, raised his five children. A seventh degree black belt in judo, he served as doctor at local, national and international competitions, including the Olympics. He was a longtime parishioner at Sacred Heart Church in Saratoga.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation ono Friday, March 31, 4 pm to 8 pm, with a rosary at 6 pm, at Darling & Fischer Chapel of the Hills; and a funeral mass on Saturday, April 1, at 11 am at Sacred Heart Church, 13716 Saratoga Ave. Burial to follow at Madronia Cemetery,
Donations can go to the United States Judo Federation’s Joseph Fitzsimmons Medical Scholarship Fund (checks payable to USJF, write in the memo “Joseph Fitzsimmons Medical Fund,” P O Box 338, Ontario, OR, 97914-0338.
A celebrated autbority wrote tbis about Dr. josepb ]. Fitzsimmons.
Dear Sirs:
It is my opinion that when Dr. Kano visualized the kind of man he felt would be developed by Judo he had in mind Dr. Joe Fitzsimmons. In this day of doing judo for ulterior motives, whether it be for attainment of high rank or for monetary gain, or political aspirations, it is refreshing to know there are some judomen who still live and breathe the real judo philosophy.
To say that “Doc” is dedicated, humble, helpful and kind is an understatement in the extreme. It is like explaining a ray of sunshine – only those who bask in it can really appreciate its value. I am one of those fortunate people to have known and worked with Doc, and I can honestly say that it has been one of my cherished experiences in life.
— Ben Campbell
HIS RECORD
American Aoodemy Orthopedic Surgery, American Board’s Orthopedic Surgery. Western Orthopedic Association.
Started judo 1964. Shodon in 1966.
Physician San F1anciso Nationals 1965.
Physician High School Championships, San Jose, 1969.
Helped Senior Nationals Las Vegas and Sacramento, and World 0hampionships Salt Lake City.
Helped Junior Nationals Long Beach, Denver, & Spokane.
Camp Bushldo l965 (Soda Springs).
Camp Bushido 1966 (Squaw Valley).
Camp Bushido 1967 (Squaw Valley).
Camp Bushido 1968 (Squaw Valley).
Kan Geiko, Soda Spring; 1968.
Rokka Outstandlng Service Award 1965.
Koepke Award 1969 Outstanding Service to Judo.
Member Santa Clara Dojo, Toshio Higashi, Sensei.