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Rev. John J. Fitzmaurice, O.S.A. (1901-1954)

Rev. John J. Fitzmaurice, O.S.A. entered eternal life December 13, 1954.

John Joseph Fitzmaurice was born October 6, 1901 in Lawrence, Massachusetts to John J. and Ann (Dwyer) Fitzmaurice. He was Baptized at St. Mary Church, Lawrence.

John received his education at St. Mary Grammar School and Lawrence High School, both in Lawrence. He did post-graduate studies at Villanova Prep, Villanova, Pennsylvania.

He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate June 23, 1922. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine June 24, 1923 and solemn (permanent) vows June 24, 1926.

He earned a B. A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, in 1926. He then pursued theological studies at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. He was ordained a Priest July 7, 1929.

Father Fitzmaurice returned to the United States and taught at Cascia Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma (1929-1930), Villanova Prep, Ojai, California (1930-1932), and at Villanova College, Villanova (1932-1935).

He was then assigned to several parishes: St. Augustine, Lawrence (1936-38), St. Mary, Waterford, New York (1938-1943), and St. Mary, Rockford, Illinois (1944-1948).

In 1948 he was named Assistant Principal of St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois. He became Principal of Austin Catholic High School, Detroit, Michigan, in 1952. He served there until the time of his death from heart failure December 13, 1954.

He is buried in St. Mary Cemetery, Lawrence.

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy., Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1081.