SALISBURY TWP., Pa. — William Fitzpatrick is the antithesis of the definition of retirement.
As a retired Army veteran of the Vietnam War, he plans to participate in veteran support groups.
With life partner Maureen Cort, he plans to again get involved as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America in the Lehigh Valley, and perhaps with their church.
And, should time allow, he plans to mix in a few rounds of golf.
And who knows how many more with whom he plans to share his altruistic bent.
That is all ahead.
But to suggest Fitzpatrick, 77, is merely stepping away as executive director of the Arts Academy Charter Middle School is to ignore the reality.
Since the school's founding in 2012, he has served as its rock — its mind, heart and soul.
There are few better examples of how deeply Fitzpatrick is loved by the faculty, board and administration than what happened on Friday outside the school that has grades 6 through 8.
A gathering outside the front doors of the school was held as a guise for an end-of-school photo.
'Sort of a family'
As Fitzpatrick exited the school, a throng of teachers and well-wishers applauded, and School Board President Kimberly Jamison stepped to the microphone.
“I want to say the AACMS board is very happy to dedicate the school to Bill Fitzpatrick,” she said.
Fitzpatrick became overcome, tears filled his eyes and he tapped his right hand over his heart and mouthed the words, “Thank you.”
“The school itself has been sort of a family — not sort of, but a family,” Fitzpatrick said.
“This was an opportunity to be an entrepreneur and run a school — to be involved in the hiring of everyone, everything involved in the school.
“But that, at a certain point, was overtaken by the very competent people that we brought in here, so I could step back and do other things with regard to the school, but it's clearly bittersweet.”
A bronze-and-black plaque with Fitzpatrick’s image and years of service is attached to the building at its entrance.
Since its founding, Fitzpatrick has been instrumental in shaping the school's vision and achievements.
Under his guidance, the school has flourished, fostering a dynamic learning environment where students are encouraged to explore and develop their artistic and academic talents.
'He will never be forgotten here'
He's been the driving force behind the school's continued success.
“His presence is woven into the very fabric of this school,” Salisbury School District Superintendent Lynn Fuini-Hetten said.
“He’s always understood that education is more than just a score or a benchmark. That’s why we are here to recognize him for his years of service, his impact on students and his heart.”
Added Joe Schantz, who represented state Sen. Lisa Boscola’s office at the event:
“I’ve known Bill since our days together on the Bethlehem Zoning Board. He’s the finest, most honest and dedicated person to run a school or an organization.”
Fitzpatrick will be succeeded by Karl Eisenhart on July 1.
Eisenhart has been with the school since 2012. He currently teaches guitar studies there.
“He hired me when the school was starting up in 2012,” Eisenhart said. “I’ve watched the way he’s done things. Some of those things will be maintained, but I’ve also got some ideas of my own.
"But he will never be forgotten here.”
As for Fitzpatrick, he said he looks to the future, but took a moment to remember the past.
“I wouldn't be unhappy if I could turn back the clock and be 20 years younger and look at starting a lot of this again,” he said.
“But rationally, I’m doing the best thing for this school, which is what I'm committed to do. It was time to move on. I have other things I want to do."
Hardly the retiring type.
