WESTFIELD; 
Patrick H. Fletcher, 73, passed away suddenly on May 17, 2016 at Baystate Noble Hospital. He was born in Wakefield, Rhode Island, to the late Leo and Mary (Caffofo) Fletcher. After graduating from North Kingstown High School he joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego aboard the U.S.S. Kearsarge and participated in two astronaut capsule retrievals. Patrick was employed from 1960 as a clerk for NYNH&H, Penn Central, Conrail and CSX intermodal railroads, retiring in 2002. Since moving to Westfield in 1978, Patrick enjoyed bird hunting with his Brittanys, salt water fishing, mountain biking, and hiking the Appalachian Trail. In 2008 he completed the Four Corners Motorcycle Tour in 10 days at age 65 on his 1988 Goldwing. He was instrumental in working with Congressman John Olver to create the New England National Scenic Trail in 2009, was trails chair of the Appalachian Mountain Club, Berkshire Chapter since 1993, he volunteered many retirement hours building shelters and trail maintenance. He was a member of Westfield Sportsman Club, Western Mass Duck Club, Conway Sportsman’s Club, Warwick Sportsmen’s Club and Central New England Brittany Club. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathleen M. (Boudreau) Fletcher, his daughter, Christine M. Pinney and her husband Thomas of Bedford, MA, his son Michael C. Fletcher and his wife Laura of Southwick, his sisters, Eileen Palombo and her husband Joseph of N. Kingstown, RI and Carol Osborne and her husband Steven of Pawtucket. He is pre-deceased by his brother Richard. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Jacqueline and Katherine Pinney; Sean and Alex Fletcher.
Calling hours will be Sunday May 22 from 1-4PM at Firtion Adams FS 76 Broad St. Westfield, MA. Patrick’s funeral will be held on Monday at 11:30AM from the Firtion Adams FS followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 12:30PM in Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, 127 Holyoke Rd. Westfield, MA. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St. Agawam. Donations in Patrick’s name may be directed to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, 127 Holyoke Rd. Westfield, MA 01085. www.firtionadams.com
