Tributes paid to former councillor

Press Release Date: 15 February 2012

Tributes are being paid to the former councillor Joe Fitzpatrick who died at home on 13 February 2012 after a short illness.

Joe, 91, was made an honorary alderman of the borough in 2007, shortly after he retired as a councillor.

He was elected to Hyde Borough Council in 1971 after becoming involved in the Labour party through his work with the union movement. He went on to be elected to the newly formed Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council in 1973.

He was a member of the council until 1976 and successfully stood again in 1980, serving until May 2007 working tirelessly for the community of Hyde for over 30 years.

As a council member, Joe was Deputy Chair of Housing Services Committee for many years and also had a keen interest in Education, Social Services and Equal Opportunities. He was Deputy Chair of the Hyde District Assembly and a Member of the Personal and Health Services Scrutiny Panel.

He also served on the Greater Manchester Police Authority  and sat on the Board of New Charter Housing Trust .

Joe was Mayor of Tameside in 1987-1988. One of the highlights of his year in office was taking 300 local children to a matinee performance of the pantomime at Tameside Theatre.

Joe was involved with local schools for many years. He was Chair of Governors at Flowery Field Primary School and also served on the governing body of Bradley Green Primary School.

Joe, who was born in Dublin, Ireland, married Rose in 1947. They went on to have 11 children, 24 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. His interests included watching his beloved Manchester United.

Two of his sons , Cllrs Jim and Philip Fitzpatrick, followed their father's footsteps into political life and both currently serve on Tameside Council.

Jim, who is Executive First Deputy of Council, said: "My father was an inspiring figure in our lives - his devoted work in the community had a strong influence on my own decision to get involved in public life. He died surrounded by his family and will be very much missed by us all."

Executive Leader Cllr Kieran Quinn said: "The honorary alderman title is one of the highest honours the council can bestow and recognised Joe's long and dedicated service to the borough."