Obituary of Joseph Patrick Fletcher Jr.

Joseph Patrick Fletcher Jr. of Hilton Head Island passed peacefully on August 26, 2022, surrounded by loved ones as he made his final journey to be with his Creator and beloved wife, Frances. The son of the late Joseph Patrick and Virginia (Hardy) Fletcher, he was born December 31, 1937 in White Plains, NY.  Joe was a native New Yorker, but fell in love with Hilton Head 47 years ago and became a permanent resident in 1992.

Joe was a graduate of Stepinac High School in White Plains, NY where he excelled in sports, particularly basketball.  He attended St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA and transferred to Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, where he graduated with a degree in History.  Having discovered teaching and education to be his passion, he received a Masters of Education from Fordham University in New York City and continued on to receive his Doctorate of Education from New York University (NYU).

Joe had a long and illustrious career in education, starting as a high school history teacher and retiring as the Superintendent of Katonah-Lewisboro Schools [Westchester County, NY] in 1992.  While residing in Mt. Kisco, NY, Joe served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. He served as Commissioner of the Mt. Kisco Fire Department as well as its treasurer. He also served on the Board of Trustees for the Village of Mt. Kisco and on the Planning Board.  He volunteered with many of the Parks and Recreations activities, including serving as the Commissioner of Baseball for the Dept. of Recreation.

Joe’s ongoing quest to learn and teach led him to be involved with educational initiatives around the world.  He served as an educational ambassador with the Fulbright Committee, traveling to Asia and the Middle East to establish schools and provide instruction within developing countries in the 1960s.  Closer to home, Joe helped co-found the Creative Retirement Center of the University of South Carolina, Beaufort, where he served as the Co-Chair of the Development Committee as well as shared his expertise and vast knowledge by teaching several history classes at the Center.  Joe was forever a teacher and life-long learner and shared his joy of discovery with all.

In retirement, Joe did not lose his desire to help and serve. He was elected President of the Lawton Villas Regime and later served as President of the CSA Board in Sea Pines.  His love of golf led him to key roles in local golf tournaments. He oversaw the caddy operations for the Heritage Classic and was involved with the former Celebrity Golf Tournament in Sea Pines.  At the time of his death, he was serving on the Board at the Seabrook.

Joe’s devotion to his family was the most important thing in his life.  He was proceeded in death by his wife of 60 years, Frances Chalmers.  He is survived by his children, Joseph III (Cheryl) of Marietta, GA, Marie (Tim) of Charleston, SC and Edward (Tonia), of Big Flats, NY.  He is also survived by adored grandchildren, Erin and Spencer Taylor (Marie), Nicholas and Jessica (Edward), and Joseph and Patrick (Joseph).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church on November 25 at 10am and interment will be at Six Oaks Cemetery in Sea Pines immediately following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family will appreciate that a memorial contribution, in Joseph’s name, be made to: Memory Matters, PO Box 22330, Hilton Head, SC 29925.