Donald Francis Fitzgerald

1929 - 2022

Donald ("Don") Francis Fitzgerald passed away with his loving family at his side at his home on Wednesday March 9th, 2022, in his 93rd year, after enduring an extremely courageous battle with cancer. Don will be mourned deeply, missed by many, and loved forever! Beloved and wonderful husband to the late Leona Fitzgerald (O'Reilly). They are now reunited in heaven. Much loved Dad of Anne Marie(Fitzgerald) (Chris) Reath of Ottawa; Kevin, Sean (Kelly), and Richard Fitzgerald all of Peterborough. Cherished Papa to Amanda (Jake) and Mitchell (Karly) Reath; Connor, Jillian and Hadley Fitzgerald; and Andrew (Melissa) Leach. Beloved "Big-Papa" to his great-grandchildren Betty and George Reath, both who have middle names in honour of their great-grandparents. Dear brother of Colleen Davies. Dear brother-in-law of Duncan McRae and Al Davies. Dear uncle of several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, John (Jack) Fitzgerald and Madeline McCliggott; wife Leona Fitzgerald (O'Reilly), infant son Leo Fitzgerald; and sisters Jean McRae and Joan Fitzgerald and brothers Hugh (Reta) Fitzgerald and Vince Fitzgerald. Don is a Retired Custodian from St. Anne's School and previous to being a Custodian he was a Wonder Bread Delivery Man. Don, or more well known as 'Dad' or 'Papa' or "Big-Papa", will be remembered for his strength, resiliency, work ethic, sense of humour and faith. Dad loved summer months spent at the cottage which he built, filled with family and friends. Dad loved playing cards and was known for his Euchre skills. Dad loved to do woodworking in his younger years and in retirement. He made a large outdoor playhouse for his Grandchildren, barbie dollhouse, Miniature barn, outdoor Christmas decoration, wooden calendars, doll highchair and many other treasures that he created. Once Dad couldn't do woodworking anymore he really enjoyed reading books especially westerns. He would spend a lot of the day reading. The Fitzgerald and Reath Family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Beamish, Dr. Youssef (Lakeridge Health Cancer Centre Oshawa), St. Elizabeth's Health Care Nurses especially Cristina, Emmanuel and Silvie. Special thanks to CBI Home Health Care PSW's Donna Sage, Helen, Dave all who gave Dad wonderful care. Dad will be deeply missed and cherished forever but his love of family will live on in his Children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Visitation at DUFFUS FUNERAL HOME, 431 George Street South from 6-8 p.m. on Monday March 14, 2022. Funeral Mass at IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 11 a.m. Private family interment at St. Peter's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences can be made at www.duffusfuneralhome.com