Dennis P. Fitzgerald

1943 - 2024

Dennis P. Fitzgerald

Londonderry, NH - Dennis Paul Fitzgerald, 81, of Londonderry, New Hampshire passed away peacefully on April 25, 2024. He was born in Sellersville, Pennsylvania on January 13, 1943 to the late Samuel W. Fitzgerald and the late Alverda E. (Knechel) Fitzgerald. Dennis shared his strength and laughter with all who knew him. His sense of humor, endless support when it came to his family and friends, ability to fix anything, and devotion to his grandchildren were just some of his many admirable qualities.

After graduating from Souderton High School in Souderton, Pennsylvania in 1960, Dennis worked as a machinist for the U.S. Gauge Division Plant (known as "The Gauge") in Sellersville. In April 1964, Dennis married Catherine (Henderson) Fitzgerald and made their home in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. Dennis was drafted into the Army in 1965 (prompting a move to Kansas) and served in Vietnam in 1966-1967. In 1978, after several earlier moves, Dennis and Catherine settled in Wilmot, New Hampshire where they lived for nearly 20 years and where they raised their two children. Dennis worked at Cricenti's Market in New London, NH and later at Watts Regulator in Franklin, New Hampshire until his retirement in 2010. The couple moved to Concord, New Hampshire in 1997 where they enjoyed their many rescue animals including their cat Phoebe, gardening, watching and feeding the birds at their many feeders, searching for turtles at the local pond with their grandchildren, visiting with family and friends, and taking their daily walks through the neighborhood. After selling their Concord home in 2021, they downsized and moved to Londonderry, New Hampshire. Dennis found much of his purpose over the last few years caring for his beloved Catherine through her extended illness.

Dennis' many passions and hobbies kept him busy. An avid NASCAR fan, Dennis worked the races at the Loudon Speedway for many years. Dennis and Catherine faithfully followed the Boston Red Sox and loved to discuss their favorite players as they sat on their porch on summer evenings. In line with his love of baseball, one of Dennis' favorite annual activities with his children and grandchildren was attending Fisher Cats games. While the kids filled up on treats and played baseball bingo, he enjoyed watching the game and getting a glimpse of some up-and-coming players. Another favorite was visiting the beach in York, Maine. Dennis loved the beach. Whether walking in the shallow waters of Short Sands Beach searching for shells and sand dollars, playing bocce ball on the beach, or just enjoying a stroll and a stop for ice cream, he relished his time spent with his children and grandchildren.

Dennis was predeceased by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Catherine, in October 2023. Dennis is survived by his daughter, Karen (Fitzgerald) Collins, and husband Scott Collins of Londonderry, New Hampshire; his son, Steven Fitzgerald, and wife Cheri Fitzgerald of Concord, New Hampshire; grandchildren, Katie (Collins) Toral and husband Jon Toral, Kira Collins, Andrew Fitzgerald, Justin Fitzgerald, and Kaley Fitzgerald; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his brothers Ronald Fitzgerald and Richard Fitzgerald, and sister Lorraine (Fitzgerald) Guenst.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 14, 2024 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 North Main Street, Concord, New Hampshire. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, New Hampshire. Please join the family for a Celebration of Life reception from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Bennett Funeral Home Reception Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Pope Memorial SPCA, Concord, New Hampshire or the MSPCA at Nevins Farms, Methuen, Massachusetts (or your favorite local animal shelter).