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JOHN W. FITZGERALD Jr.

1961 - 2013

JOHN W. FITZGERALD Jr. obituary, 1961-2013, Needham, MA

BORN

1961

DIED

2013

JOHN FITZGERALD Obituary

FitzGerald, John W. Jr.
Died unexpectedly on August 23, 2013, in the waters off Nantucket Island. He was 51. Born in Needham on August 24, 1961 to Eleanor C. and John W. FitzGerald, John was a lifelong Needham resident. Enormously well liked, John cultivated strong friendships with people from all parts of his life. With a quick wit and pirate grin, John's charm and his wry sense of humor were his most marked characteristics, treasured by family and friends alike. He leaves his wife of 27 years Barbara FitzGerald, and five beloved children; Brian, Matthew, Thomas, Janet and Molly, as well as an adopted son, Jean Baptiste. The family will remember a father who worked hard, and spent precious family time at their homes in Chatham, Massachusetts and Big Pine Key, Florida. He loved to join them in activities like swimming, fishing, skiing and snowboarding. He was proud of his children and spent many happy hours watching his sons play Pop Warner football and his daughter Janet, an award-winning cheerleader, on the field. He shared a love of animals with his family, and enjoyed their menagerie of pets including dogs, cats, hedgehogs, guinea pigs and an iguana. Through his precious youngest daughter, Molly, he even grew to love Chinchillas. Many longtime Needham residents will never forget John's appearance in the town's annual 4th of July parade. John, who was in elementary school, dressed as an organ grinder for the popular "Horribles" walk. On his shoulder was the family's pet Spider Monkey, George. Halfway through the parade, George broke his tether and scampered up a nearby telephone pole, leaving John in tears and halting the parade until the Needham Fire Department could dispatch the ladder truck and a firefighter to retrieve the wayward monkey. John attended Needham High School where he distinguished himself in sports, particularly in wrestling. He graduated in 1979 and began to work as a mason's apprentice. In 1982 he started his own company, FitzGerald Masonry and became known for his hard work and skilled craftsmanship building custom stonework in some of New England's most beautiful homes. Later, John's sons, Brian and Matthew joined him in the family business and John proudly changed the name of his company to FitzGerald & Sons Masonry. An avid sportsman, John enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was an accomplished bow hunter, hunting deer and wild turkey as a member of the Medfield Sportsman's Club in Medfield, Massachusetts. On a trip to Alaska to hunt bear with his brothers, Kevin and Billy, John took a black bear that became a beautiful rug and prized possession. He was a passionate and experienced fisherman who enjoyed deep-sea fishing off the East Coast from Cape Cod to Big Pine Key. John also found time for golf occasionally and to his delighted surprise made a hole in one while playing in his very first tournament. He is survived by his mother Eleanor C. FitzGerald and his nine siblings: Maura FitzGerald of Boston; Kate FitzGerald of New London, NH; William FitzGerald of Talkeetna, AK; Kevin FitzGerald of Talkeetna, AK; Anne FitzGerald of Brooklin, ME; Margaret Rogers of Fairbanks, AK; Eleanor FitzGerald of Brooklyn, NY; Michael FitzGerald of Los Angeles, CA and Candace FitzGerald of New London, NH; and in-laws Allen P. Carney, Ute FitzGerald, Jody FitzGerald and Jeff Rogers; and by eight nieces and nephews and more than 25 first cousins. A memorial service has been scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the American Legion Nonantum, Post 440, 295 California St., Newton, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John's name to the Medfield Sportsman's Club, P.O. Box 447 Medfield, MA 02052

Published by Boston Globe from Aug. 29 to Sep. 1, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN FITZGERALD

Not sure what to say?





Just saw this. I remeber "Fitz" well - he and my brother (Steven Zurk) hung out all the time. Fitz was kind and quirky, it's a real loss to have him gone at such an early age. My sympathies to his family and friends.

Lisa

Lisa Zurk

December 14, 2021

cant believe GEORGE was still alive that rotten monkey used to steal candy out of my hand jump back to his place on the clock and lick the candy show it to me and then laugh and run ! I never got my hands on him ha ha ha !

mark belleisle

Friend

July 3, 2020

Im sorry i know its late but i had not talked to john since we were kids . He was my best friend back then . We used to fish in the lake and the brook that went by the house . His nickname was Dogman I think that came from Kevin not sure > We used to catch trout andcrayfish out of the brook and eat them . John was fun and we were always looking for something to do if it involved fish we were there . I knew him so well until his mom said i was too old to hang with him 3 years older why i will never know . I see kevin is a pilot in Alaska and billy i dont know but john was a special friend and you have no idea of the awesome things we did together . We were Swampers we ruled the swamp and it was ours . You that read this will never understand that ! But we did ! steve zurk and other friends that are gone now are playin Sally Woe in the swamp im sure they are we had so much fun then !

mark belleisle

Friend

July 3, 2020

Love you little irish man . John w cronin wareham ma

john cronin

June 8, 2015

I can't possibly put into words the appreciation I have to have known and learned from Fitzy.A huge influence on myself and for that I am grateful and blessed.RIP John,never to be forgotten.

Frank Ficcardi

September 7, 2013

Sorry for you loss.
John passed through my life a short time.
I know he will truly be missed.
My heart and Prayers go out to the ones you left behind.

Cora Fellers

September 7, 2013

I did not know John Fitzgerald Jr. I never met him. I do however know two of his children. It's easy to see that he was a great dad raising caring kids with strong character. My condolences to the family. Bob Reckert

September 6, 2013

Rest in peace Fitzi.

Lisa Ennis

September 6, 2013

Fitzy was one of a kind and will never be forgotten. He was an old high school friend but I remember our good times together like they were yesterday. My sympathies to the family.

Bill McNeill

September 6, 2013

Barbara,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of your tragic loss. My condolences to you and your family.
Chris Salvo,MD

Christopher Salvo

September 5, 2013

to the Fitgerald family condolences from your Hagan cousins. Sad that we really never got to know you we lived in Roslindale and you in Needham. Sorry for your loss.

Holly Dixon

September 4, 2013

It wasn't that long ago that we had a cup of coffee and were shooting the breeze about life. I will always appreciate your kind assistance throughout the years. Rest in Peace.

Nick Shaheen

September 1, 2013

To the Fitsgerald family,
I was so sad to hear the news from one of Fitzy's former classmates at Needham High School. John was one of my students and to this day I treasure the memories of knowing him. I guess every teacher and has some favorites and John was one of mine. May you find comfort in knowing that he was loved and God will take care of him from here!

Kathy O'Hara

September 1, 2013

In the short time that I had known John,I thought he really lived whereas so many barely exist.He was a friend to my Husband and worked very hard to provide a good life for his family.It is very important to count all of your Blessings.It is clear that he was a well liked and well Loved man who had touched many lives.At timesit will be difficult for his family with this loss,however you will find comfort in all the memories that you have made with him and shared and think of him often with a smile.That he really lived and as unbelievable this tragedy was,that he was able to do all the things that he was passionate about and celebrate his life.
Our thoughts and prayers to John and his family may you find Peace and comfort from your Family and Friends.
Tara and Robert DeGaetano

Tara & Robert DeGaetano

September 1, 2013

I will forever have a smile on my face when I think of John Fitzgerald. His silly, dry ,quick wit brought me to my knees often and in seconds. He was hilarious, a story teller like no other.He was the definition of a character. Hardest worker I ever knew..A true Irish man right down to his bones..He will be greatly missed but never ever forgotten..

Trish hegarty

August 31, 2013

I will never forget Fitzys, quick,dry, silly wit that brought me to my knees in seconds many a times when he would start to tell his stories. He was a character a maverick, a hard worker. They do not make them like John Fitzgerald anymore.. He was one of a kind. A truly good human being.. He will be so missed......

August 31, 2013

He was one of my students and he left me with very fond memories.

Bill Cullinane

August 31, 2013

You were one of a kind Fitzy!!! God speed my friend!!!

Dave Eldridge

August 31, 2013

Hard to believe he is gone so soon. I will think of him often and remember him fondly. Prayers to the family.

Russ Rougeau

August 31, 2013

John, You have left us too soon...May God bless you and keep you, forever by His side. To Barbara and all of your children, our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy; we have only wonderful memories of our neighbor John, and will miss him greatly.

Dick and Mary Bono

August 30, 2013

Barbara, all of us who knew Fitzy were shocked and saddened to hear of his death. I will always remember John for not only his skill as a stone mason, but the life and fun that he brought to the job site. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this tragic time. Bob Lazzari

August 30, 2013

With a heavy heart, I must laugh out loud in John's honor and memory.

I can only imagine how much time and effort it took to write this spot-on summary of John and who he was. I would have LOVED to have been there to listen to ALL of the equally humorous and out-right bizarre stories that were considered for this article, and passed over. This was a wonderfully written tribute!

John's kindness far exceeding your average, his "no fear" scrappiness, his unequivocally hard working hands and a bloodline flooding with humor, made John an absolute privilege to simply know.

My thoughts are with his fantastic and equally unique family. Much love.

Laura Muckerheide

August 29, 2013

No matter the circumstances for the family getting together when John or any of the Fitzgerald's showed up you knew you were leaving with a smile. Amazing how much life and energy can be packed into one guy. To Barbara and the kids, Aunt Ellie and all my Fitzgerald Cousins I wish you nothing but wonderful memories and peace. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Paul Cunningham
Janesville, WI

August 29, 2013

To the Fitzgerald Family, my prayers and thoughts are with you, as the loss incurred is far reaching. Though the hurt will continue, we will be comforted with the realization that Fitzy accomplished in just 50 years what most all couldn't experience in twice that time frame and that was shared by not just family, but friends as well, as far away as they may be. If one thinks in that manner, we will always have a smile and that's what Fitzy would have wanted. He was my friend. God bless you all up there in Needham.

Geo. Susce

August 29, 2013

Fitzy, Thank you for a lifetime of knowledge and a great friendship. One of the greatest and hardest working men I'll ever know. Thoughts and prayers. Here's to you Fitzy! You will always be missed.

Rob Knights

August 29, 2013

Barry & Jeanette Keene and family will miss Fitzy dearly...we had a nice time with him 3 weeks ago for dinner with smiles on our face laughing and joking as we always have..had some great times with Fitzy and his family over the years..our hearts go out to Barbara and the kids and rest of the family

August 29, 2013

To The Fitzgerald family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Fitzy will be missed. Tom & Loree McInerney

August 28, 2013

1 of the best guys I've ever worked for & def 1 of the hardest workers I've ever known. Made the Irish proud. Thanks for being a great friend to my family. You always knew how to make us laugh. Jeff Crowley

August 28, 2013

Cousin John - I have fond memories of our times together as teenagers in Indiana with your sister Margaret, Cousin Mary and my sister Maureen. Blessed be and my condolences to your family.

Diane Cameron

August 28, 2013

I'm thinking of all of you! Remembering all the good times. Love you! -Tracy

August 28, 2013

Oh my God, how tragic. Lord rest his soul and comfort you during this time.
Most sincerely,
Carol A. Sheehan

Carol Sheehan

August 28, 2013

Fitzy - you will be missed! You were always generous and kind to me, and I'm glad I was able to know you and become friends with you... I'll miss late nights at the club with you, but I'm glad the memories I have are of you smiling and enjoying life. My prayers are with your family. Rest easy my friend.

Meghan Hoffman

August 28, 2013

Fitzy - God bless. You will be truly missed. Bob and Kathy Keene

August 28, 2013

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Sep

7

Memorial service

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

American Legion Nonantum, Post 440

295 California St., Newton, MA

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