Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1926
DIED
2023
Donal Fitzgerald Obituary
Donal F Fitzgerald, 96, of Bonita Springs, FL, died February 18, 2023 at Life Care Center of Estero, Estero, FL.
He was born April 24, 1926 in Winsted, CT to Maurice F Fitzgerald and Mary (O'Brien) Fitzgerald.
He graduated from The Gilbert School in Winsted, CT in 1943. He then attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute for a year before he was drafted into the Navy during WWII. He served in the Philippines as a radio technician and was discharged in 1946. He then returned to college and graduated from WPI with a degree in chemical engineering in 1949.
After graduation he worked for Merck and GE before returning home to Winsted to run the family business, Son-Chief Electrics. He married Barbara May from Malverne, NY, raised his five children and was an active member of the community serving on the boards of Connecticut Bank and Trust and The Winsted Memorial Hospital. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Rotary Club, served on the Parking Commission, and was a member of the Highland Lake Sailing Club.
Upon retiring he and Barbara moved to Bonita Springs, FL, where he rekindled his passion for painting and studied Chinese brush painting, water color, and acrylics. A hobby he had not practiced since his summer of study at the Yale School of Art after the war.
He is survived by his four daughters, Patricia Melrose of Larchmont, NY, Elizabeth Smith of Newport, RI, Alexandra Fitzgerald of Groton, CT and Moira Relac of Weston, CT. Also sons-in-law David Melrose and Boyd Relac and daughter-in-law Barbara Ryan Fitzgerald and her husband Dave Whitney. Grandchildren Maura (Matthew) Cullen, Garrett (Michelle) Smith, Conal Smith, Sarah (Michael) Reid, Julia (Stephen) Connor, Callum Melrose, Mahley (Max) Fitzgerald-Harrell, Sean Fitzgerald, Ian Ryan, Ellen Relac, and Charlotte Relac. Great-grandchildren Mia Smith, Hawkins Cullen, Alexandra Reid, and William Connor.
He was predeceased by his wife Barbara and his son Michael; his brothers Gerald and Edward Fitzgerald and his sisters Elizabeth Doherty, Lina Wagner, and Rita Conant.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Joseph's Church in Winsted on June 3rd at 11am.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Greenwoods Scholarship Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donal Fitzgerald
Sponsored by RegisterCitizen.com.
Roberta Doherty
April 10, 2023
Don was a wonderful person. He was my uncle and a happy presence in my life since I was a child. After my grandfather Maurice passed away, and then after my parents also died, he and Barbara were a great family rock for me and my bothers and sisters. I saw him just a few years ago and I was amazed at how little he had changed - not just physically, but still intellectually curious and with a great sense of humor. I'll remember him well and always miss him.
paul fitzgerald
March 9, 2023
Don, i will miss your kind gentle ways. So glad to have known you. My sincerest condolences.
Sharon
February 27, 2023
Dear Fitzgerald Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. It was an honor to know both of your parents. They made me smile and were so kind. I know that they are now enjoying being together again. I will pray for your peace. God bless you all.
Paul Perry
February 25, 2023
my first job was at Son-Chief back in 1968\
Mr Fitzgerald was always a kind caring man
Alison Jamieson
February 23, 2023
Moira, Boyd, Ellen and Charlotte,
Sincerest condolences to you and your entire family. Mr. Fitzgerald was a kind, and gentle man. He was "GranDon" to my kids when they were young and over there playing with Barb's kids. He will be missed by all who were touched by his kindness. Kevin, and Alison Jamieson & family
Alanne Turina
February 23, 2023
My condolences to all of the Fitzgerald family.
Ellen
February 22, 2023
Love to you always Grandon
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Donal Fitzgerald's name
Memorial Events
for Donal Fitzgerald
How to support Donal's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donal Fitzgerald's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
