James E. "Jim" Fitzgerald

FITZGERALD, James E. "Jim" James E. "Jim" Fitzgerald, 91, of Wildflower Terrace, Avon, beloved husband of Yvette (Fauteux) Fitzgerald, died Tuesday, (December 11, 2007) at St. Francis Hospital. He was born September 3, 1916 in Canaan, son of the late Clifford and Lillian (Kimber) Fitzgerald and had lived in Simsbury for 48 years prior to moving to Avon. He was a Veteran of World War II having been the first Connecticut Draftee inducted into the U.S. Army. He served in the South Pacific as Second Lieutenant in the 745 Anti-aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion. Jim was president and co-founder of Fitzgerald's Food Stores, Inc. with locations in Avon, Simsbury and East Granby. He never forgot that customer service was his highest priority and always greatly appreciated the support of his many loyal customers. He was the second largest employer in the Farmington Valley for many years. In 1988, the Town of Simsbury named him Hometown Hero for his contributions to the community. Through his business he not only gave many high school students job opportunities but also awarded yearly scholarships to graduating seniors from Avon, Canton and Simsbury High Schools. He retired after 35 years in business. He was an avid golfer and was a founding member of Hopmeadow Country Club. He later joined Avon Country Club where he served on the Board of Directors for many years and then as President. In retirement he relocated to Desert Mountain in Arizona where he worked to perfect his golf game. His love of golf was certainly only surpassed by his love for his family. Besides his wife of 61 years he is survived by four children and their spouses, Cathryn Neriani and her husband Arthur of Simsbury, Laurie Regish and her husband John of Avon, Robert Fitzgerald and his wife Heidi of Granby and Susan Phillips and her husband Don of West Simsbury; a sister, Dorothy Boutillier of Killingworth; seven grandchildren, Jason Regish of Waynesville, NC, Taryn Regish of Phoenix, AZ, Kelly Neriani of Beavercreek, OH, Carolyn Neriani of Avon, J.R. and Hunter Phillips of West Simsbury and James "Jamie" Fitzgerald of Granby; seven great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Kailey, Madisen and Jacob Regish and Sarah, Colby and Connor Neriani and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, John W. Fitzgerald. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Ralph Rosenberg. There are no calling hours. Funeral service and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Foodshare, 450 Woodland Ave., Bloomfield, CT 06002. Vincent Funeral Home, Simsbury is assisting the family with the arrangements. For on-line condolences please visit : www.vincentfuneralhome.com