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Gerald Fitzgerald Obituary

Gerald Donald Fitzgerald (Jerry) passed away peacefully on January 13, 2024, at age 94, while surrounded by his children. He was born in Providence, R.I. on February 11, 1929, to Elsie (Rush) Fitzgerald and the Rev. George Lakin Fitzgerald. He grew up in New Haven, CT.

After graduating from Hopkins School at age 17, he earned his master's in forestry at Yale on a full scholarship. There he had the good fortune of meeting Lester Bradford that led him to meet Lester's sister Helen. Jerry and Helen were married in Maine, and she joined him as he spent time in the air force as a flight mechanic, living in Oklahoma and then Panama. After discharge he worked for the Oxford Paper Company in Rumford Me. for 9 years where they lived on a farm in West Peru. His next job was with the U.S. Forest Service. the Pemi district office and moved to Plymouth N.H. in 1967, where they lived until 1983. He then transferred to the Ottawa National Forest in the upper peninsula of Michigan until his retirement in 1990. Family visits included two canoe camping trips in the Boundary Waters Wilderness Waterway enjoyed by his children and grandchildren. Retirement was spent back in Rochester N.H. nearer to his children and grandchildren. His hobbies were gardening, hiking, birding, and letter writing. He excelled at photography and painting.

He was a special neighbor to everyone and will be missed.

Jerry was pre-deceased by his wife of 48 years Helen Bradford Fitzgerald, two half-sisters Audrey Fields and Elsie Orr, half-brother Willis Hawk Jr, and son-in-law John Reichert. He is survived by his brother David E. Fitzgerald of Tucson, Arizona. Also, his five children: Cynthia (Michael) Roche of Old Lyme, CT; Aaron (Kathy) Fitzgerald of Pembroke, NH; Tom (Jie) Fitzgerald of Wakefield, NH; Susan (John) Reichert of Plymouth, NH; and Fay Fitzgerald of Rochester, NH; as well as his ex-daughter-in-law Mary Fitzgerald of Berwick, ME who remains close to the family.

A memorial service is planned for June. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jerry's name to the Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick, Me; a wildlife rehabilitation center where Helen volunteered.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Union Leader on Jan. 19, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Fitzgerald

6 Entries

John R Williams

January 12, 2025

One New Year's Day, Jerry organized a xc ski trip to Greeley Ponds, I remember Aaron was there among about six or seven of us. It started snowing but we pushed on, then had to slog back arriving at the parking lot in the gathering gloom. 6" of new snow in the parking lot, but we all got out. What a moment in time.

Stanley Nistler

January 26, 2024

I first met Jerry in 1979 when I transferred to the Pemi R.D. from Mich as a Forestry Tech. He mentored me, helped me change my view as a Midwesterner to the New England style, and he and Helen got us settled in. I will always be grateful for his kindness and humor.

John R Williams

January 25, 2024

I first met Jerry at the Pemi in1974. As a timber technician, much of my work was on projects Jerry oversaw. He helped me get started with my FS career, mentoring me along the way. I think fondly of the sparkle in his eyes and his smile, and an often wry/dry humor about many things. We traded letters over the years. I will miss him and his wisdom.

Jody Saulnier

January 24, 2024

Dear D.O.D:
I loved sending pastries your way via Susan but I never got over the fact you didn't like maple soda! Thank you for finding me by way of an article in the Manchester Union so Susan could give me a surprise visit and lead to rekindling our friendship. I hope you know the impression you made on people...and animals...as the kind soul you are. Rest easy...

Mary Monachello

January 23, 2024

I so enjoyed spending time with Mr. Jerry a few years back while visiting my sister, Marsha Smith. He was an interesting man and conversationalist. A pleasant memory.

Robert D Machain

January 19, 2024

Mr. Fitzgerald, Thank you for your service RDM Windham NH

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

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