Robert J. Fitzgerald

Robert J. Fitzgerald, 78, of Oak St., died on Friday, October 31, 2008 in his residence after being stricken ill.  He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty years, Frances (Lydon) Fitzgerald; three daughters: Denise McAuliffe and her husband Dan, Patricia Flannagan and her husband Tom, all of Sterling, Maureen Hart and her husband David of Lancaster; two sons: Robert J. Fitzgerald, Jr. and his wife Terryann of Hudson, and Kevin M. Fitzgerald of Leominster. He leaves thirteen grandchildren: Jennifer, Matthew and Stephanie McAuliffe, Erin and Robert J. Fitzgerald III, James, Timothy, and Kaitlin Flannagan, Christopher and Nicholas Hart, Jason, Jillian, and Ryan Croci; brothers-in-law, Robert J. Lydon of Clinton, and Edward P. Morrissey of Roslindale; sister-in-law, Karen Lydon of Westford; several nieces and nephews.

Robert was born in Clinton to the late John J. and Kathryn (Cox) Fitzgerald. He was a graduate of the Clinton High School Class of 1947, obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from St. Michael's College, and continued his education at the American Institute of Banking, Worcester State College, and the Ohio State University. Bob proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. Upon his return, he began employment with the former Clinton Trust Company and enjoyed a successful forty-five year career in banking, ultimately retiring in 1996 as the Vice President of Fleet Bank. He was a devout member of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Clinton for many years. He served as past Exhalted Ruler of the Clinton Lodge of Elks, former President of the Clinton Rotary Club, and served on numerous boards and committees including the Greendale Kiwanis Club, Worcester Rotary Club, and Clinton Marine Corps League. Bob was formerly the co-chairman of the Holy Rosary Bishop Fund, Trustee of the Massachusetts Arthritis Foundation, executive for the United Way of Worcester, and currently held membership with the American Legion in Clinton. He cherished time spent with his loving family and will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure to have known him.

Funeral services are to be held on Monday, November 3, 2008 from the Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 12PM in Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 1 Cross St., Clinton.  Burial is to follow at St. John Cemetery in Lancaster.  Calling hours will be held in the funeral home on Sunday, November 2, 2008 from 7 until 9PM. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Robert J. Fitzgerald to the Clinton Hospital Foundation-201 Highland St., Clinton, MA 01510. Online condolences may be placed at

www.philbincomeaufh.com