Mr. Michael Paul Fitzsimmons

Michael Fitzsimmons sadly passed away unexpectedly at the age of 74 on Tuesday, April 1st. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland on November 9, 1950, to the late James Vincent Fitzsimmons and Constance Rita Messer. A graduate of Lansdowne High School and the University of Maryland University College, he held a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Technology. Before retiring in 2019, he was a dedicated IT specialist at the National Archives in College Park, MD. Michael has left behind his loving wife of almost 53 years, Karen, his beautiful daughter Laura and her partner Peter Griffin, Laura's former husband Daniel Oliveira, and James, Laura's amazing 10-year-old son, who called him Grandpa Potsie. Another grandson, who Mike was very anxious to meet, is expected in July. In addition, he is survived by his eight siblings: Connie Cook, James Fitzsimmons, Leo Fitzsimmons, wife Diane, Mary Poffenbarger, husband John, Rosemarie Machiran, husband Tico, Kathleen Braun, husband John, Dorothy Anderson, Marian Ford, husband Berkley, in addition to so many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grandnephews. In addition to his parents, Mike was pre-deceased by his brother-in-law and sisters in law, Bill Cook, Carolyn Fitzsimmons, and Darrell Anderson. Mike was an avid music lover, whose tastes ran from Beethoven to the Beatles to The Band. He collected over 3,000 record albums of all genres and actually fired up the record player and played a different album every morning with his first cup of coffee. He was a fine ukulele player and enjoyed noodling surf music on the electric guitar. Michael loved the peaceful, country life. He enjoyed his sometimes-frustrating vegetable garden and grew fantastic tomatoes. He helped Karen with planting her flower garden every spring and could be found most days on his riding mower, trying to tame the chaos of living in the woods. He loved taking his little rescue pup, Judy, on long walks at Krimgold Park. Mike was an avid cyclist, who could be found attacking the hills and valleys of Carroll and Frederick Counties all the year round. He raced his bike competitively in the early days of the 1970's, as a member of the Chesapeake Wheelmen, a venerable racing club based in Baltimore. Most recently, he challenged himself to time trials, racing against the clock, winning medals, and kudos from his fellow club members. He rode multi-week tours in Belgium, France, and Nova Scotia and loved biking the Skyline Drive and the C&O Canal. He was also proud and honored to be a senior Olympian. Mike loved volunteering his time and talents to benefit his community, most recently to Caring Carroll, a Westminster-based organization that helps seniors to live independently by providing medical transportation, assistance with grocery shopping and household repairs. He was "The Captain "of a pub trivia team called More Cowbell, comprised of wife Karen and four very valued (and very smart) friends. You know who you are! Michael excelled at everything he did. If given a challenge, he would solve it. He would offer help and support to anyone in need. His passing has left a big hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Visitation with his family will take place on Saturday, April 12, from 10-12 at Haight Funeral Home & Chapel, 6416 Sykesville Road, Sykesville, MD 21784, followed by a memorial service from 12-1 pm. Friends and family are invited to share memories of Mike. In place of flowers, his family would appreciate a donation in his honor to Caring Carroll (Website https://www.caringcarroll.org/). Karen will offer a light luncheon at her home after the service for family and close personal friends. Carpooling is encouraged. Online condolences can be made at www.haightfuneralhome.com