Charles Edward Casimir "Charlie" Fitzsimmons

Gales Ferry - Charles Edward Casimir "Charlie" Fitzsimmons of Gales Ferry, passed away Oct. 14, 2021, in the loving arms of his family, after a nearly year-long battle with esophageal cancer. He was 58. Charlie was a kind and generous man, a beloved husband, stepfather, grandfather, uncle and mentor. He loved music and played guitar and mandolin. Charlie will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.

Charlie was born to Edward Fitzsimmons and Irene (Nyquist) Avery, the older of twin boys. He loved to tease his twin brother Mark for being the youngest in the family. He spent the early part of his life in New Jersey, before moving to Columbia, as a boy. He moved to Ledyard, in his early 20s, and has lived there since.

He made a career as a computer technician, most recently at CSC in Norwich, retiring in 2013. Some of the things he loved best about this work were helping others and mentoring the technicians that worked for him. He also worked for many years at Sargent Lock, where he traveled extensively installing hotel locks, and always had great stories about his time there. Charlie made lifelong friends at both these jobs. Upon his retirement from CSC, he volunteered at the Ledyard Senior Center for several years, helping the seniors with their electronic devices - a role he thoroughly enjoyed.

Charlie married the love of his life, his wife MaryAnn, in 2001; and together they built a life beyond their wildest dreams. They made a home that was welcoming to their many friends and often hosted picnics and bocce tournaments in their backyard. Their adventures included trips to Greece, Italy and Ireland, as well as annual trips to New Orleans, one of their favorite places. Charlie was a lifelong animal lover, and leaves behind his trusted German shepherds, Ciro and Nein, along with two cats.

Charlie was also a beloved stepfather, whose influence and guidance shaped the three stepchildren he helped raise into the caring and compassionate adults they are today. He was also solely responsible for honing their senses of humor and for their great taste in music, responsibilities that he took very seriously. Charlie especially loved spending time with his two grandsons, whom he adored.

Charlie was also a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, with 32 years of sobriety. He was active in service work in AA, serving in many roles within Connecticut District 1, sponsoring countless men over the years, and sharing his experience, strength and hope every time he shared. He will be sadly missed by his many friends in both the AA and ACA recovery programs.

The family would also like to thank his medical team, especially Dr. Bradford Lavigne and Dr. Lattanzi, the staff at Smilow Cancer Center and the Masonicare team that cared for him in his last month. We are profoundly grateful for the kindness and care with which they treated Charlie.

Charlie is survived by his beloved wife MaryAnn; his stepdaughter Chelsea Nix, her husband Jean-Pierre; and two grandsons, Lucien and Gaspard; stepson Jonathan Henk; and stepdaughter Corinne Henk Jojic and her husband Vladimir; his brother David and wife Kelly; his brother Chris and wife Daryl; and numerous nieces and nephews. Charlie was predeceased by both of his parents; as well as his sister Elizabeth; and his twin brother Mark.

Calling hours will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, followed by a Celebration of Life beginning at 2:30, at the Woyasz & Son Funeral Home, 11 Jerome Road, Montville. Charlie's ashes will be scattered by his family. The family requests that all attendees wear masks and social distance to the extent possible. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Charlie's memory to the Ledyard Senior Center or Smilow Cancer Center in Waterford.