On October 15th, the beloved former Seattle Prep president Fr. Paul Fitterer passed away at the age of ninety-four in Los Gatos, California. During his time at Prep, he was known as a loving figure who made a lasting impact on the community.
Since his passing, the Seattle Prep community has been reflecting on his presence at school, especially the faculty and staff who knew him best: “He was just everybody’s grandpa. He would always take time for you and make you feel the most important when he was around,” described head of Community Ministry Brian Mack.
During the entirety of his time at Prep, Fr. Fitterer was known for being extremely involved in the community, never missing the opportunity to support a student or lead others.
“It was never about him. He just wanted to have a moment of peace and watch some basketball. So, he’d just come in and do that” said former girls’ basketball coach Brian Elsner, who was a student when Fr. Fitterer was president and later worked alongside him as a teacher.
Fr. Fitterer’s presence extended beyond the campus, however, and he was known for his love of Prep retreats. “Towards the end of his career when he was in his 80’s, he would continue to go on every retreat, and even hike and beat students on the Senior Pilgrimage” described Mr. Mack.
Among the many anecdotes and kind words used to describe the late Fr. Fitterer, there was one consistent trait that came up among those who knew him best: his smile. “When you were talking to him he would be kind of serious and then his whole face would break into a smile; it was like light parting through clouds” described his longtime coworker Jen Dotsey.
Though his death is an immense loss for the community, those grieving his loss can find comfort in the ways his spirit still exists on campus today. “When I heard that he had died, I was sad of course, but I also felt like that is a guy who can’t die because he is so alive in so many people and in so many communities. How can you not feel hopeful knowing that kind of goodness has existed and for sure does still and for sure will again?” said Dotsey.
“You can’t walk two steps in Seattle without somebody knowing who he is and being touched by him, so it’s a big honor to be able to celebrate him at Prep” said Mack when asked about hosting the reception for Fr. Fitterer’s funeral on Prep’s very own campus.
The reception for Fr. Fitterer’s funeral mass was held on November 22, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Church, with the following reception taking place at Seattle Prep.
