Kevin R. Fitzgerald

Kevin R. Fitzgerald- A distinguished editorial voice in the business and trade magazine industry, died October 3, 2018, at home in Norwood, Mass., with his family at his side after battling pancreatic cancer. He was 66. He and his family had recently moved to Norwood from Medfield, Mass. Born and raised in Peabody, Mass., to Robert and Ruth (Sheridan) Fitzgerald, Kevin graduated from Lowell Technological Institute, now the University of Massachusetts Lowell, with a bachelors degree in Radiological Health Physics in 1974. Spending his formative years in Peabody and Lowell instilled him with a strong work ethic and a never give up attitude. Kevin had a long career in the magazine industry, starting with Cahners Publishing (now Reed Elsevier) in Newton, Mass., more than 30 years ago, where he would meet his future wife, Ruth Grace Conway. He rose through the ranks to become Editor-in-Chief of Purchasing, a flagship publication. He later formed his own company before joining Pennwell Publishing and then the Aberdeen Group. Recently, he worked as Editorial Director for BCC Research in Wellesley, Mass. Aside from writing compelling business stories | and bringing obscure topics to life | Kevin had an encyclopedic knowledge of Boston sports teams, especially the Boston Celtics. Being a season ticket holder with two floor seats in the Larry Bird era made him a popular man; invitations to games were like winning the lottery and often included pre-game meals in the North End. It was always fun to attend an event and talk sports with Kevin, who possessed a quick wit and a winning laugh to go along with his low-key personality. Equally impressive was his love and knowledge of good music | rock bands or anything from the Rolling Stones. He and Ruth made many pilgrimages to Stones concerts, including their 50th anniversary tour in July 2013. A committed family man and friend, Kevin was an advocate for Autism Awareness and supporting children with developmental disabilities. He was content to spend time with those closest to him, especially his wife and children, sharing stories, a glass of wine, and an occasional Scotch. He will be missed by many. Kevin leaves his wife, Ruth (Conway), of Norwood; sons Robert and Peter, and daughter Ann, all of Norwood. Pre-deceased by his parents, he also leaves his sister Noreen Clarke of Newport News, Virginia, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Funeral services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Kevin R. Fitzgerald may be sent to The Arc of South Norfolk Family Support Program, 789 Clapboardtree St., Westwood, Mass., 02090. Online guestbook at pemurrayfuneral.com. Arrangements by P.E. Murray-F.J. Higgins George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, West Roxbury.