Michael J. Fitzgerald

1953 - 2025

Michael J. Fitzgerald

September 30, 1953 - October 15, 2025

Michael J. Fitzgerald, 72, of Auburn, passed away at home on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

Born September 30, 1953, he was the son of the late Edward J. and Leona Gauthier Fitzgerald and a member of Auburn High School's first graduating class of 1971. Mike continued his education at Auburn Community College and earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Cornell University.

Mike and his wife, Rebecca, moved to Maryland, where he began a long and respected career as a cartographer with the United States Department of Defense. For more than 30 years, his intelligence, steadiness, humor and integrity earned the admiration of his colleagues and friends.

Soon after retiring in 2010, Mike and Rebecca followed a dream and moved to New York City, where they had honeymooned over 30 years prior. They spent the next six years pursuing their passions: visiting museums, seeing countless independent and mainstream movies, eating at fantastic restaurants, taking in the culture and history of NYC, and making memories with family and friends.

Mike and Rebecca then returned home to Auburn in 2018, where he cherished being close to family and lifelong friends.

He took his love of history on the road where he traveled the world with his family: Toronto, St. Augustine, the Mississippi River, New Orleans, Los Angeles, France, Italy, and regular trips to Ocean City, MD.

A proud Irishman, Mike had a sharp and often silly sense of humor. He loved classic rock, movies of every kind, reading, PBS shows, and going to plays and concerts, especially when shared with the people he loved.

A devoted father, he never missed a game, show, or activity, and always lent a hand, a ride, or a word of encouragement. He would do anything for anyone, anytime, without hesitation.

An avid sports fan, Mike was loyal to his teams - the New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, and Washington Capitals. In his younger years, he played city league softball, and more recently enjoyed playing fantasy football with his extended family.

Above all, Mike will be remembered as a rock: a steady, kind, and generous man whose quiet strength anchored his family. He led with patience, humor, and love, and those who knew him were better for it.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Rusinko Fitzgerald; his children, Daniel (Jamie Chastain) Fitzgerald, Katie (Anthony) Urmey, Scott Fitzgerald, and Amy (Jon) Miller; his siblings, Rev. David Fitzgerald, Gerald (Joan) Fitzgerald, Edward (Jeanne Byrne) Fitzgerald, and Loretta Wichner; and his beloved grandchildren, Nora Miller, Genevieve Urmey, and Athena Urmey. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will miss his humor, kindness, and steadfast presence.

Friends are invited to call on the family Monday, October 20, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., 197 South Street, Auburn.

A service will be conducted at 1 p.m. in the funeral home, followed by burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Contributions may be made in memory of Mike to Reading is Fundamental, by visiting www.rif.org and donating.

To offer condolences to the family, please visit whitechapelfh.com.