Robert Harold Stopper Fitzpatrick, 61, of Shenandoah, VA, known to many as "Biker Bob", passed away on Monday, May 27, 2019 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg, VA.

Bob was born to Archie Bernard Fitzpatrick and Virginia Mae (Sweet), first introducing the world to his mischievous smirk in room 344 of Waterbury Hospital in Waterbury, CT at 11:30 AM on August 17, 1957. Sadly, his father Archie passed away while Bob was still very young.  Sometimes, even in tragedy there are blessings. While still very young, Bob's mother, Virginia, found love renewed with Gerald Mathias Stopper, whom she married. He was a loving father to Robert.

As a boy, Bob attended St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Oxford, where he served as an acolyte and participated in the youth group.  He was involved in many community projects like house painting, and yard clean ups. He loved his little sisters dearly and took his role as obnoxious big brother very seriously. "Bobby", as they lovingly called him, fulfilled every duty to the fullest, especially at the dinner table, during pony rides, and at his sisters' ballet recitals. Bob was active in the Boy Scouts, as part of Troop 1 in Oxford, CT. On October 28, 1975, he was the first scout in Oxford to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

After graduating from Seymour High, class of 1975, Bob answered the calling and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. As part of the 2 ^nd Training Battalion, Platoon 284, he graduated from Parris Island, on October 22, 1975, before reporting to Camp Lejeune.

While serving as a field radio operator in the USMC, Robert traveled the world. Aboard the USS Fresno, he became a Shellback, crossing the equator to enter the Domain of Neptunus Rex, on October 12, 1976. Robert also join the Order of the Blue Nose, entering the Arctic Circle aboard the USS Sumter on March 14, 1984. Robert earned the rank of E-4 Corporal, proudly served in the Marine Corps until November of 1984.

Bob married Jane Elizabeth (Reynolds) in 1979, in Oxford, CT. While living in Cleveland OH, they welcomed a son, Joshua Lee (Stopper) in 1981. They lived many years together in Gordonsville, VA, raising Josh, as well as a pack of Siberian Huskies. Bob loved animals and had many throughout his life.

After his military service, Robert entered civil service as Rural Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service. Much of his postal career was spent at the Palmyra, VA post office. Despite being bitten and chased by many a dog, Robert took pride in his work and genuinely appreciated being a part of the lives of those whom he delivered mail to. He genuinely treasured the many cards, gifts and tokens of gratitude he received each year while running his postal route. He retired from the Postal Service in 2012.

With a lifelong love of motorcycles, Bob achieved one of his youthful ambitions with the purchase of a custom-built, Aztec Orange, 2000 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy.  Bob traveled much of North America on his bike, riding over 70,000 miles. His rides took him from Key West, FL to Anchorage, AK, collecting Harley t-shirts from dealerships along the way.  He also loved his trip to attend the Harley-Davidson 100 ^th Year Anniversary Celebration, held in Milwaukee, WI in August of 2003. Bob advocated for the rights of motorcyclists and was a member of the Abate of Virginia, Culpeper Chapter.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Mae (Sweet) of Oxford, CT; both of his fathers, Archie Bernard Fitzpatrick of Naugatuck, CT, and Gerald Mathias Stopper of Oxford, CT and his step-brother Ralph Stopper of Naugatuck, CT.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jane Reynolds of Shenandoah, VA; son, Josh Fitzpatrick (Tanya) of Fishersville, VA; three sisters, Beverly Kepler (Jack) of Bishop, GA, Kathryn Longo of Watertown, CT, and Elizabeth Walsh (Brian) of Alexandria, VA; step-brother, Billy Stopper (Shirley) of Naugatuck, CT; three grandchildren, Isabelle, Abigail and Cooper Fitzpatrick; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 beginning at 10 am in Laurel Hill Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Laurel Hill Memorial Park, with military honors by the US Marine Corps.

Flowers are welcome. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in Bob's name to either of the following:

ASPCA: https://secure.aspca.org/donate/memorial

Shriners Hospitals for Children: https://donate.lovetotherescue.org

Online condolences may be made at laurelhillfuneralhome.com