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THOMAS A. FITZGERALD
THOMAS A. FITZGERALD
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THOMAS FITZGERALD Obituary
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Rosa Knight
April 4, 2011
Uurrah! Tom. A truly accomplished life, admired by family and friends; respected by all who knew you. A gentleman and a scholar of the highest order. I could ask for no better friend. Semper Fi, Rosa
April 3, 2011
Tom/Papa was an honorable, kind and gracious man; what a wonderful soul. We will always be grateful for having him in our lives. Papa always talked about “living large” – and he did each and every day.
He continuously challenged himself by staying current on world politics and economics and always keeping an open frame of mind. He was always inquisitive, remained young at heart and mind, he enjoyed learning as much as he enjoyed teaching!
Papa’s sense of adventure never faded. Even last summer he was reading about the next park that he wanted to explore!
Papa was always giving to others – taking family and friends sailing, making Papa sandwiches to order, sharing his fresh baked Vons chocolate chip cookies, overseeing crafts and projects at the art bench, reviewing rotary aerodynamics and giving away highly coveted Prana pants.
Papa loved to spend time with Madi and Will. He always connected with them effortlessly; he spent hours and hours showing extraordinary patience teaching Madi and Will how to swim and play tennis. He took many laps down the treacherous trail – and once after carving pumpkins he desperately tried to repair the un repairable by super gluing the pumpkin stem back on! Papa was always eager to be with his grand children and please them –he led them on walks in the rain, collecting carob seeds sailing down the gutter then planting and watching them grow.
Some of our fondest memories are sitting on the patio under the famiglia per sempre plaque – talking about everything important, eating fabulous meals and laughing over many glasses of wine. We always felt invited, important and cherished in Papa’s company.
Tom came along at a time when Jim needed a father most. He was supportive at home, in the classroom, and in the stands. Tom taught Jim how to always keep an open frame of mind – how to work for what’s important – how to always treat others with respect – how to seize the best from any given situation on not dwell on what cannot be changed.
Papa, we will miss you each and every day.
We love you - Jim, Tara, Madi & Will
Teresa Jacobson Kimberley
March 27, 2011
Peggy,
Sending prayers to you and all the kids. Tom was an amazing man and always so wonderful to spend time with. He will be dearly missed.
March 26, 2011
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March 22, 2011
Bob and Shakespeare
March 22, 2011
Yosemite National Park
March 21, 2011
Jack Frazier
March 21, 2011
Tom was one of the most interesting men I have ever met. We had many discussions about world politics, Vietnam, his service to our country and many other things. I always wanted him to stand in for me in my classes as he knew more than I about what my students needed to know and in fact, he was an inspiration but on the other hand was very humble about all of the courageous things he had done. I will miss him immmensly. He was my friend, my brother in Vietnam and a hero. God bless Tom Fitzgerald and may the angels of the Lord lead him from this point on.
March 21, 2011
Peggy,
So sory to hear that Tom finally lost his last battle. Barney kept us informed and Tom must have fought valiantly. Rhonda and I often talk about our days at SHAPE. We all had a lot of fun and memory making times there. You and Tom are in our thoughts.
Wes and Rhonda Cornett
March 20, 2011
Tom was much more to me than just my wife Mary's brother-in-law; he was also one of my closest friends. I will always fondly remember the many trips and weekend excursions Peg, Mary, Tom and I shared together.Tom and I also had many shared interests particularly our politics, our love of Shakespeare and other good plays, and our love of hiking in the wildernesss; thus we did a number of things together including trips to the Utah Shakespeare Festival.
It was on one of these trips to Utah on a hot day in the summer of 2009 when Tom and I went on an extended hike in the Utah wilderness. Tom fell behind and told me to continue on. We both thought that Tom was just out of shape, but since this was only a few months before the serious onset of his final illness, we did not suspect the real reason for his lack of energy. I continued the hike taking longer than expected, and after a wrong detour and running out of water, I finally staggered back to the starting point. There was Tom sitting beneath a shady sand bank and reaching into the ice chest to hand me a full bottle of water which he had saved for me before I could even ask for it.Tom handing me the bottle of water under the hot Utah sun will always be my one everlasting and fondest memory of Tom. God bless him wherever he may be, and I pray that it is a better and happier place.
Bob Kelly
Saratoga, CA
March 20, 2011
Shelbie in Papa's Hat
Karakash Family
March 20, 2011
Papa and Shelbie - Splish Splash
Karakash Family
March 20, 2011
Jack and Papa - Power napping
Karakash Family
March 20, 2011
Two Sailors
Karakash Family
March 20, 2011
Emma Lou
Karakash Family
March 20, 2011
The "Super" Papa
Karakash Family
March 20, 2011
Emma Lou in Papa's Hat
Karakash Family
March 20, 2011
Team work
Karakash Family
March 20, 2011
Jack-a-roo in Papa's Hat
Karakash Family
March 20, 2011
Beach Fun
Karakash Family
March 20, 2011
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March 20, 2011
March 20, 2011
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March 20, 2011
top of the mountain
March 20, 2011
Madi & Will Karakash
March 19, 2011
Madi & Will Karakash
March 19, 2011
Madi & Will Karakash
March 19, 2011
Madi & Will Karakash
March 19, 2011
Madi & Will Karakash
March 19, 2011
Madi & Will Karakash
March 19, 2011
Madi & Will Karakash
March 19, 2011
Madi & Will Karakash
March 19, 2011
Madi & Will Karakash
March 19, 2011
Madi & Will Karakash
March 19, 2011
Jim & Tara Karakash
March 19, 2011
Jim & Tara Karakash
March 19, 2011
Jim & Tara Karakash
March 19, 2011
Jim & Tara Karakash
March 19, 2011
Jim & Tara Karakash
March 19, 2011
Jim & Tara Karakash
March 19, 2011
Jim & Tara Karakash
March 19, 2011
Jim & Tara Karakash
March 19, 2011
Jim & Tara Karakash
March 19, 2011
Jim & Tara Karakash
March 19, 2011
March 17, 2011
Brother "T" was two years older than me and a lot better athlete,and more worldly wise. Tom taught me to high jump, play football and got me a job as a fill-in lifeguard. He frequently saved me from embarrassing situations by letting me know I was being stupid althoughI got to help him with advanced algerbra.
We frequently disagreed on political matters but it never changed our feelings for each other . You will always be my big brother "T".
love Frank
James Piner
March 17, 2011
Tom, It was my honor and pleasure to have served with you - only wish it could have been much longer. Your professionalism as a Naval Officer and Aviator was always in evidence. Your skill as a diplomat in often very delicate situations was of the highest order. Your advice, counsel and recommendations to senior officials, foreign and U.S. diplomats was always sought and treasured. Your love and dedication to your family, your country and the United States Navy was your guiding beacon. You are missed Tom Fitgerald. Sail and Fly in Peace.
BG (Ret) James Piner, US Army and Arlane
Karlie & Jeremy Hobson
March 14, 2011
Not long after my husband, Jeremy, met Tom, he took to calling me "Kahlie" because he thought Tom had such an awesome accent. It still brings a smile to my face when I hear this nickname and it will always remind me of Uncle Tom and his thick accent.
Peg & Family - Jeremy and I both are deeply saddened for your loss. We hope that you find some peace knowing he is no longer suffering.
Jim Halliday Halliday
March 14, 2011
To the family of Tom Fitzgerald,
I had the pleasure of knowing Tom through high school and through 4 years of college. I will never forget the great times that we had driving to and from Framingham to Worcester State College 5 days a week for 4 years, often twice a day as we would go back to the College for athletic events and the famous "Big D parties". Tom was very intelligent and we all knew that when he went off to the Navy after college that he would be a hugh success. In high school, Tom played for one of the toughest high school football coaches in the country. I always held him in high esteem from that point on. He definitely was not a quitter. Tom was well liked by all that knew him and will be missed by all. May he rest in peace.
Jim Halliday
Kelly & Matt Woods
March 13, 2011
My most vivid memories of Uncle Tom always include him taking us for a sail on his boat...what great memories those are to share with my kids!
Peg ~ I am so sorry you must now move forward without the hand of your soulmate to hold, but know he is always there by your side. I hope you are finding comfort knowing he is now at peace.
March 13, 2011
Tom - a gentleman who was both salty & sweet. You were proud of who you were and enjoyed expressing your well thought-out opinions, eloquently expressing them in casual conversation. However, you eagerly listened to and appreciated the thoughts of those around you, young & old. Your life captured the essence of who we all might want to be - husband, father, grandfather, friend, educator and statesman, with an abundance of love & passion for it all. We miss you, our country will miss you and you will never be forgotten. Love, Jeanne & John
Karen Potts
March 13, 2011
I will forever remember each time I saw you at family get togethers that you stood up and gave me a big bear hug with that heartwarming smile on your face and always made me feel so welcome :) Rest in peace dear, sweet Tom...........
March 12, 2011
What can I say about Tom? He was intelligent, good natured, optimistic, always saw the good side of things, always had a good story and was a true gentleman. He was so easy to be with even when he was sick. I felt a special bond with him. Bob and I took many trips with Peggy and Tom. We shared a lot of good dinners and plays (some not so good) but that was O.K. We will really miss him. Bob has his own personal thoughts to share so we chose to write separately. love, Mary Kelly
Nancy & Bill Jones
March 12, 2011
We will miss Tom very much. Bill will miss sharing helicopter war stories about Vietnam and both of us will miss sharing special occasion dinners at the Beach House with him and Peggy. Our granddaughters were always happy to see "Mr. Fitz" as their substitute teacher at Carlsbad High School where he brought history alive for them. Along with Tom's love of history was his love for cookies from Vons where he would frequently go after a long day of teaching. We want to remember him with one hand on the helm of his sailing boat, the wind in the sails, and the other hand holding a cookie with a smile on his face.
Love,
Nancy and Bill Jones
Dotsy and Ron Jacobson
March 11, 2011
When we think of Tom it is his wonderful voice and great sense of humor that we remember the most. He enjoyed visiting and always made you feel like you were important and was always interested in what you had to say. I know of no one that enjoyed a joke like Tom and you could hear his laughter everywhere. You were a great brother in law and a fighter and we will miss you.
March 11, 2011
Condolences to Fitzy's family from an old 1953 classmate.
Mike Kinnarney, Ma.
Bob Clark
March 11, 2011
I also was a classmate of Tommmy's from grade 1 in Hastings until we finally made graduation FHS in 1953. We shared a lot of great times primarily in grades 1 through 9 but drifted a little during our 3 year high school. Nevertheless, we were and remained good friends. Tom 's dedication to freinds and family are represents just who he was. I offer my sincere sympathy to the family . My wife died on January 6, 2011 following a 21 month challenge with cancer so I can readily relate to your situation. I will offer a special prayer for Tom AND KNOW YOU WILL FIND THE INNER STRENGTH to be the foundation for the family.
March 11, 2011
From a Framingham High School 1953 classmate, sincere condolences to all of Fitzy's wonderful family.
Len Whitman, Naples,FL
David Stevens
March 11, 2011
I shared the very first grades of our education at Hastings school. The many days of play on Old Connecticut Path. Eating peanut butter and jelly at lunch. How I wish you could have come to reunions of the class of 53. We share the love of flight and the fight with cancer. Peace!
Condolences to the family of a Proud Father.
David Stevens, classmate and friend
March 10, 2011
From the Framingham H.S. class of 1953, sincere condolences to Fitzy's family. Thanks, Fitzy, for the fond memories and the example of courage you provided in your gallant battle.
Eileen Zendali Belloli Framingham, MA
Arthur DelPrete
March 10, 2011
Fitzie was a good friend and classmate at Framingham High School.We recall many wonderful times together . We graduated in 1953 and Tom earned a teaching degree in college and also served as an usher at our wedding.
Tom had a great personalityand an infectious grin.We will miss him.
Our condolences to Peggy and the family on the loss of their beloved husband,father and grandfather.
Art and Lorraine DelPrete
Sarasota,FL
Rick & Debbie Alringer
March 10, 2011
Peggy,
Debbie and I have fond memories of Tom in Belgium. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. A great military man that loved his country. He will definitely be missed.
Vern Nordman
March 10, 2011
Sail on Tom. I will miss our e-mail chatter. you were one of the good ones.
Vern
March 10, 2011
Bob and Cindy Netherton will always remember Tom.His wit, love of the sea and having wine on the patio with Tom put some shrimp on the "barby"
Arizona Barnhill
March 9, 2011
I have lost a true friend. Some of our discussions went on for years, often interrupted, but never relinquished. Tom was always willing to discuss the difficult topic, share his opinion, and listen to mine, no matter how ill founded or poorly phrased. Tom’s quick grin, and even quicker wit never failed, and his zest for life and quest for knowledge continued to the end. He loved his family, his friends, his country and the Navy. We are all honored to have known and loved him.
Nancy Cahoone
March 9, 2011
Peg,
My fondest memory of Tom is his wonderful infectious laugh and of course his Bostonian accent...Meadowridge will not be the same without him.
Nancy
Jim Ponzo
March 8, 2011
Peg and family,
Tom called himself the WGAB, "World's Greatest Air Boss", he was that and more. We enjoyed many great times as we sailed the Pacific on Tarawa. Even better we got to share time in Newport at the War College. He was one of the great ones and will be missed.
Love and prayers to you all. WGFDO.
Jack Hawley
March 7, 2011
I am honered to have served with Tom in our last year of active service. We have stayed close friends in the years since retirement. From the 10 hour sailing lesson he gave me as we beat our way north from Tacoma to Bremerton to the lazy sunny days on San Diego bay,it just did't get any better. Lately he spoke often of his love for Peg and her ability to handle the stress of his illness. One of the finest Naval officers I know, I wish you "FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS" MY FRIEND.
T2 & T3
Tommy III
March 7, 2011
I have loving memories every time I see a sailboat or helicopter go by as I think of my Dad, a fighter to the very end. I will love & miss you always.
Tom, the sailor
Peg
March 7, 2011
Happiest at sea
Peggy Fitzgerald
March 7, 2011
My husband, best friend and soul mate and a good man. I will miss you forever. Peg
Ann (Tootsie) Vecchi
March 7, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Gardner Morris
March 7, 2011
Rest in well deserved peace my email buddy.
Tom and Monica Deemer
March 7, 2011
Tom was a wonderful person. May he rest in peace.
Karakash Family
March 7, 2011
Our hearts are broken with the loss of our beloved "Papa", truly one of a kind and a treasure like no other! We miss you beyond words....may you rest now in peace!!!!
With all our love,
Steve, Tami,Shelbie, Jack and Emma
Marjorie Farley
March 7, 2011
Although Tommy was 6 feet tall he will always be my terrific
"little brother". He fought a valiant battle. Dearest Tommy, rest in
Peace, You will be missed.
With much love, Margie, Mike, Pat and Paige Farley
Joyce Reynolds
March 6, 2011
Peggy and I go back to high school. We were thrilled to meet Tom when we retired to WA and they lived in Bremerton, missing them when they followed sunshine to CA. Our visits were infrequent but email contact constant, enabling us to follow this happy couple through their family travels and travails. Her unfailing support - and his unflagging courage - through this ordeal were a model for us all.
Love, Joyce Reynolds
Jan Siviy
March 6, 2011
Tom, we remember you as a wonderful neighbor and friend. You will always be in our hearts with great memories of good laughs enjoying a glass of wine with you and Peggy on the patio.. Much love, Jan, Rick and Sammie Siviy
Jim & Carol Swelgin
March 6, 2011
We miss you Tom...RIP
March 6, 2011
Although Tom and I only met a few times, we shared an active internet correspondence for quite a few years which demonstrated time and time again his interest in wide ranging topics, a high intellect, and great love for Peggy, family and his friends as well as a wonderful sense of humor. I will miss him greatly and send my heartfelt condolences to Peggy and Tom's entire family.
Sincerely,
Gregg Reynolds
Olympia, WA
Bill Nash (Jr.)
March 6, 2011
Jim, Steve, Peggy (Mrs. K to me) and other family members...So sorry to hear about your loss. As I have said to Jim and a few other Middletown, RI friends, I have such great memories of Tom and your family during and after your short stay here in RI. Sailing on Narragansett Bay for hours on end was second to none with Tom and Jimmy...having him around as a "2nd father" to me during some difficult times I am thankful for and will never forget...
I wish I had known him longer but for the short time that I did I am grateful...Please know I think about you all often especially now in this difficult time...
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