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Jerry Fitzgerald Obituary
March 26, 1929 - April 21, 2016
On Thursday, April 21, 2016, Jerry passed away peacefully at the age of 87 after a long battle with Alzheimer's.
Jerry was born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario, the son of Nora and Maurice Fitzgerald. He was a skilled athlete and by the age of 21 had played on Canadian championship teams in lacrosse, basketball and football. He won multiple Mann Cups during his lacrosse career and was inducted into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1973.
Upon graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Jerry's love of athletics led him to become a physical education teacher. He spent his career with the Scarborough Board of Education, where he quickly progressed from teacher to principal. He made deep, lasting connections with many students and fellow educators and is fondly remembered as being "strict but fair".
Jerry's happiest times were during his summers in Muskoka, where he was either surrounded by family and friends at his cottage, or was enjoying a game of golf at the Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club.
Jerry will be dearly missed by his wife of 60 years, June, as well as his daughter, Debbie (Peter) and son, Paul (Ardyth). He will forever be remembered by his adoring grandchildren, Lara and Erik, as well as his sisters-in-law, Jenny and Helen and his many nieces and nephews. Jerry was predeceased by his brother, Paul and sister, Margaret.
The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the staff of the Ina Grafton Gage Home for their wonderful care.
A celebration of Jerry's life will be held on Thursday, May 5th from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Toronto Hunt Club, 1355 Kingston Road, Scarborough, Ontario, M1N 1R1. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's memory may be made to the Ina Grafton Gage Home or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Fitzgerald
49 Entries
Carol (O'Brien) Stamp
July 3, 2023
Sorry to be late with my note of condolence, but just saw the notice on FB. Mr. Fitzgerald was a Physical Ed teacher when I attended WCCI from1956-59. He was always well respected by the students and staff.
michael webster
May 16, 2016
One of the last true leaders that had the respect of both the students and staff alike. As a student at Pearson, you knew he was the boss - but his non-compromising style never outweighed his compassion and care. He will be missed.
May 5, 2016
As a young Pearson student, we felt that we had you in our corner and that somehow we would see our way through....thank you Mr. Fitzgerald. My condolences to the family.
I.
Gloria Osborne
May 3, 2016
What a great boss for both students and staff. Some of my best memories are from Pearson CI. We worked hard but also had many great parties.
My sympathy to the family. Fitz will always be very fondly remembered.
Craig Boatd
April 29, 2016
I attended West Hill C.I in the mid 70's and was the captain of the football team that won a city championship , l should have gone back to back championships, lost by 2 points in second final ..still remember Mr.Fitzgerald , Mr. Drohan , Mr.White, at the after game party via championship having a scotch and the smile in Me.Fitzgerald 's face lit up the night !! He was a mans man .. Tough .. Honest .. Caring .. Proud principle and it made all the sacrifices that year so worth while seeing how proud and happy we made him that year !! A true " old school " man !! Thoughts and prayers Me.Fitzgerald !!! XO
Gwen Farrow
April 29, 2016
Dad worked with Jerry many years ago and talked of him with respect and realization of his rapport with colleagues and students. As a mutual Western U. grad, lacrosse player and coach they likely had a lot in common and bonded over many hours in the educational setting as well as beyond. Dad, too, had some dementia challenges. Sincere sympathies to his family..there must be many great memories and hopefully pride in his life and contributions.
Gwen Farrow, daughter of Hindy Farrow, teacher at Scarborough Collegiate, V P Churchill C.I . Principal, West Hill C.I.
Kim Grimes
April 28, 2016
You will be deeply missed by all your former students and staff at the SBE!
April 27, 2016
Remember Mr. Fitz very well from WCCI. 1958-1962. Our condolences.
Paul & Linda Tapper. (Blackmore)
Leslie Middleton
April 27, 2016
The two coolest things about the seventies at WHCI were listening to David Bowie and seeing Mr. Fitzgerald walking down the halls. My deepest regards to his family.
April 27, 2016
'Fitz' was one of the best! His word was his bond. A more supportive principal you'd not easily find.
Mike Woolley, Thomson C.I. teacher
April 27, 2016
R.I.P. Fitz, you are one teacher that we all remember well at W.C.C.I., graduated in 1959.
April 27, 2016
So sorry to hear of this loss. High school seems so far away and yet seeing this picture brings back all of the memories. Thank you to him for all he did for his students, and to his family who understood how much he cared for us as well. I get it now, after teaching 30 years. "Oh Captain, my Captain" may you rest with the angels and watch over your students again. xo
Grant Heffernan
April 26, 2016
June & all of the Fitzgerald Family:
65 years ago, I had the best lacrosse coach a 10 year old could have. His name - Jerry Fitzgerald! He will always be remembered by the lacrosse community in Peterborough. I knew of his tremendous contribution to education in Scarborough, truly a life well lived. My prayers and thoughts are with you in your time of great loss.
April 26, 2016
Mr Fitz you were a special principal. As a member of the wilderness club at Pearson, under the direction of some pretty wonderful staff on your team. I have great memories of the support and encouragement that you showed us on many an adventure. RIP sir
Heather C
April 26, 2016
RIP Mr Fitzgerald . Thank you for being a guiding figure in my youth . Your students achieved the goals you help us set
Kerry Attfield
April 26, 2016
He was my principal at Pearson Collegiate. I will always remember the severe tongue lashing I received for being the spokesman on sneaking out with two friends for a cigarette during a health assembly. My condolences to the family. Sorry for your loss.
Nino Monaco
April 26, 2016
Rest in peace Mr. Fitzgerald, I remember you as a fair and respectable educator who cared for his students at LBP. My condolences go to his family and loved ones.
Peter Crippin
April 26, 2016
Fitz was my coach in high school football and basketball and was my principal at West Hill Collegiate. He was a throughly decent person, coach and principal. I liked playing for him and I enjoyed working for him. He was always on the side of doing the right thing and never backed down from standing up and saying what had to be said. A good guy. Peter Crippin
Stephanie Urban
April 26, 2016
My deepest sympathies to the Fitzgerald Family. He was my principal at Lester B. Pearson.....we were so lucky to have him on so many levels. RIP
Bob Feaver
April 26, 2016
Sorry to hear of Fitz passing. He was instrumental in keeping me in school at Churchill after I failed grade 13 and Wexford opened the next year with a grade 13 class, the first time in board history a new school opened with 13s.
When I moved to Peterborough as The Examiner sports editor our paths crossed a lot more with guys who played in those Mann Cup wins in early 50s.
Stephen Campbell
April 26, 2016
My deepest condolences to the Fitzgerald family.
He was an amazing principal and an even more amazing person. RIP sir
Amber Anderson
April 26, 2016
Best principal ever. He truly made every effort to personally know every student. RIP Mr Fitzgerald.
Franco Listro
April 26, 2016
RIP Mr Fritz. I remember him well 1964 to 1969 as VP at Winston Churchill. Learned lots during our weekly little talks in his office...
Lester B Pearson 30th Renion
Michael Me
April 26, 2016
Deepest Sympathy on the passing of Mr. Fitzgerald. He was a sincere and well mannered gentleman as our High School Principal of Lester B Pearson.
Fred Rodrigo
April 26, 2016
He was an great principal, he kept me in school. My condolences to his family.
Carole Snowden
April 26, 2016
I am sorry for your loss, I was a student at Lester B Pearson. I remember Mr. Fitzgerald well. He was a great principal and was very well liked in the school. I was so sad to hear he suffered from Alzheimer's, I am happy he is at peace now. My thoughts are with his family.
Hilda (Fay) Rolph
April 26, 2016
June,
When I think of Fitz it always put a smile on my face. Now I am sad to hear he is gone. He was by far THE BEST Principal a teacher could ever wish for and my years at West Hill were a delight because of him. As a student at Winston Churchill I was also fortunate to have him as a Math teacher and then VP. He was a joy to be around and I know he will be missed by many.
John Buchan
April 26, 2016
I was on staff at Sir John A. Macdonald C.I when Jerry was a vice-principal. I later had coffee with Jerry during break times at Cedarbrae night school, after Jerry had retired, and was taking some woodworking sessions. A very good and wonderful gentleman to know. My sympathies to his family and friends.
Anne DeVuono
April 26, 2016
RIP Mr. Fitz. For your Family and Friends, my deepest condolences. I remember Mr. Fitz from Pearson, and that was too many years ago than I want to think about. Prayers to you all
Marie Penney
April 26, 2016
June and Family. So sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I worked for him at Pearson Collegiate and again in the Program Office. He was a wonderful man and we all loved working for him. He will be greatly missed by many colleagues and alumni. He touched many during his lifetime. Sending all of you my deepest sympathy. Fitz you were one in a million and loved by all who knew you.
Dr. John and Kathryn McGrath
April 26, 2016
Wonderful memories of golf and the group of us boating at the cottage. Thanks always June for your hospitality,!his loss will have touched many - our sincere sympathies...
Diane Allen
April 26, 2016
I remember "Mr. Fitzgerald" as an outgoing, caring & fair VP during my time at Winston Churchill C.I. in Scarborough (1964 graduation class). My sincere condolences to his family & friends.
Carol Davy Jackson
April 26, 2016
So many wonderful school memories! RIP Mr. Fitz.
Rod Archer
April 26, 2016
I knew Jerry from WCCI (60-64). He was a fine gentleman. I haven't seen him for some years but did have a very nice (re)connection with him when Al Kerr died some years ago. My condolences to all who were close to him.
Jim Green
April 26, 2016
I have great memories of sitting in his office at Pearson discussing school life, a life well lived
Jim Green
April 26, 2016
I Have great memories of sitting in his office , not by force but by choice and chatting about school, a life well lived
April 26, 2016
I remember Mr. Fitzgerald when I was a high school student at Winston Churchill Collegiate. He was a good man.
Jaimie Vernon
April 26, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Mr. Fitzgerald was principal at both my high schools - West Hill C.I. (1977-1978) and when he came with us Malvernites to the newly built Pearson Collegiate in 1979. An empathetic and fair man who cared a lot about his students.
John and Michelle Fisico
April 25, 2016
Mr Fitz (as we called him at Pearson) was a very good principal who cared deeply for his schools and community who demonstrated it by action. For us Pearsonites who had the pleasure of joining that school when it first opened had fantastic experiences because of the time he took to build a great facility and the best group of staff. Fitz made a difference to many, many lives. My condolences on your loss.
Dan Shimski
April 25, 2016
RIP Mr. Fitz.
April 25, 2016
Mrs. Fitzgerald & family
So sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to be coached in football & basketball in 53/54 by Mr. Fitz He was a great coach & a terrific teacher RIP
Ken Gadsden
Rick Stella
April 25, 2016
We will miss Jerry. As one of his "old Boys" with WCCI golf tournament I have respect and admiration for all his accomplishments. A true educator.
April 25, 2016
It is with great sadness that we learned
of Mr. Fitzgerald passing.
He was our principal for a time at
David & Mary Thomson C.I. He was
a gentleman and had a terrific sense
of humour. My husband met him at a
few of the golf tournaments that he
organized.
RIP
Skip & Laurel Wilton
Bill Helliwell
April 25, 2016
My football coach at Scarborough Collegiate Institute in 1953. Super personality and great all-round human being. R.I.P. Jerry!
April 25, 2016
Our thoughts are with the family. He will be fondly remembered by many that crossed his paths in all facets of his life. A great person.
The Kohara Family
Mary Carroll
April 25, 2016
My sympathy to you, June, Debbie and family.
My husband, Jim Carroll, was a long time friend & teaching associate of Jerry's. Their ties go back to St. Catherines school days.
Mary Carroll
Toronto, Ontario
Susan Roberts
April 25, 2016
I have many fond memories of Jerry and June and their friendship with my parents, Michael and Muriel Roberts. Sympathies from our family to yours at this sad time.
Audrey Marjeram
April 25, 2016
My memory of Fitz goes back to 1983 when I joined the staff at Pearson. He was a wonderful principal of that school where he kept order and was very fair with everyone. My sympathy goes out to June and family.
James Rogers
April 25, 2016
My condolences to your family. Mr. Fitzgerald was my Principal at West Hill C.I. from 74-78. A most kind man, whom I had great respect for.
Showing 1 - 49 of 49 results
Memorial Events
for Jerry Fitzgerald
Funeral services provided by:
York Cemetery and Visitation Centre160 Beecroft Road, North York, ON M2N 5Z5