John P. Fitzgerald

John Patrick Fitzgerald, of Concord, MA, died at home on Friday morning, September 22, 2023, following a long and courageous battle with colorectal cancer. He was 59.
John was born in Attleboro, MA on January 21, 1964. He happily spent his childhood growing up in Rangeley, ME. It was during his high school years at Rangeley Lakes Regional High School where John became active in athletics, excelling as the Maine state champion in cross country. After graduating high school with the class of 1983, he went on to earn a B.S. with honors in Geology from Bates College in 1987. There, he still stands as the college's most decorated men's distance runner. He was a six-time All-American in both cross country and track, and a two-time national champion at the 5k and 10k distance. He holds several college records to this day.
While working on his master's at Boston College, he met his wife and soul mate, Maria (McNamara). After graduation, they settled in Concord in 1994 to raise their family. Together, they shared 29 years of marriage.
During John's professional life, he was an Environmental Geologist, consulting for numerous companies including Haley & Aldrich and most recently KOMAN Government Solutions.
His passion for the outdoors and history never wavered. He found special connections with Walden Pond and the writings of Henry David Thoreau. Up until recently, he cherished daily walks through the Walden Woods with his beloved yellow Labrador, Sadie. John passed along his love of nature to both of his children, who enjoyed several camping, fishing and hunting adventures with him in the woods of northern Maine. These trips were frequently accompanied by his close friend, Dave Dumas and his family.
Growing up, he participated in many historical reenactments with his father and family. He was also a former member of His Majesty's Tenth Regiment of Foot in Massachusetts.
Those who knew John will always remember his meticulous restorations of wooden canoes, which he took special pride in. An all around craftsman, he had a keen eye for detail on countless woodworking and craft projects over the years. He was a proud member of the Norumbega Chapter of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association and a past board member of the association.
In addition to his wife, Maria, he will be forever missed by his two children, Brendan and Erin Fitzgerald of Concord, his mother, Suzanne (Gagner) Fitzgerald of Rangeley, ME, two brothers, Michael Fitzgerald of Scarborough, ME and Daniel (Kelly Byfield) Fitzgerald of Hillsborough, NH, three nephews, Chris Fitzgerald, Sean Fitzgerald and Noah Rigby, his two nieces, Caitlin Rigby and Delaney (Zach) Ordway, and great niece Claire Ordway along with the family pets, Sadie, Mister and Finlay. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph Edward Fitzgerald.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate John's life during visiting hours at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center on Thursday, September 28th from 4 to 8 pm. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 29th at 10 am in St. Bernard's Church at Holy Family Parish, 12 Monument Square, Concord Center. Watch the Mass recording below. Burial will follow at St. Bernard's Cemetery, Concord.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's memory may be made to Wooden Canoe Heritage Association or Dr. Anuj Patel's Research Fund at Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.