More detail on this person: Edward Joseph
FitzGerald's physical life ended on June 15, 2016
after a short but arduous battle with cancer. He
was surrounded by his children, grandchildren and
brother allowing him to pass peacefully and to
continue on in his spiritual journey. Ed Jr. was
born on May 3, 1943 in Jackson Heights, New
York, to Edward and Dorothy (DeChiara) FitzGerald.
He lived on Long Island, graduating from Chaminade
High School and continuing his education at
Providence College. He was accepted into the first
ROTC Aviation program and became a skilled
helicopter pilot. He served over four years in
the Army Medical Service as a Medevac pilot.
During the Vietnam War, Ed flew hundreds of
rescue missions, logging thousands of flying hours
and saving countless lives, all while risking his
own. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying
Cross, (military decoration for heroism on aerial
duty.) Upon discharge, Ed and his family moved to
California, endured the 1971 San Fernando
earthquake, and then relocated to central
Connecticut. He was employed by AETNA Life and
Casualty Insurance Company in Hartford, while
continuing to fly helicopters with the CT Army
National Guard. After retirement, Ed worked
part-time jobs in Rhode Island and Georgia.
Ed is loved and survived by his six children:
Angela Landolphi and her husband Robert of
Hampton, CT; Kathleen FitzGerald of Maynard, MA;
Michael FitzGerald and fiancée Jacey Nguyen of
Smyrna, GA; Edward FitzGerald and his wife Jill of
Mableton, GA; Kevin FitzGerald and his wife
Darlene of Coventry, CT; and Maryanna FitzGerald
of Smyrna, GA. He's also survived by his brother,
James and his wife, Jacqueline of Cranston, RI;
his nine beautiful grandchildren; his niece and
nephews, Aunt Mary Feliz of FL, and former spouse
Elizabeth Ann (Kopko) FitzGerald of Manchester,
CT.
Ed's quick sense of humor and smile were
contagious. He was an avid reader, very
competitive card player, quick with the English
language, and a lifetime New York Yankees fan.
He was most happy when spending time with his
children watching and playing baseball, attending
car races, camping, playing Bingo, going to
concerts, trying new restaurants and taking road
trips. He had an uncanny memory for detailed
directions and landmarks all over the country. He
had a soft spot for any dog he met and loved our
pets as members of the family. His beloved
grandchildren spent cherished time with him
playing games, talking baseball, writing stone
soup recipes, reading stories, and doing homework
and puzzles. He loved attending their many
parties, recitals, and concerts_a treasure trove
that no money could buy.
Ed was a truly humble, kind, generous man who
loved to laugh, held us when we cried and reached
out to assist anyone in times of need. He was the
calm in a storm or crisis, and a man of great
patience_..We were all truly blessed to have had
Ed in our lives, and to have been a part of his
life. Our bank of memories is full and precious,
and will never fade. He will be loved for an
eternity. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and
let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in
peace. Amen.
Calling hours will be held on Monday June 20, 2016
from 5:00-8:00 pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456
Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT. A Mass of
Christian burial will be celebrated in memory of
Edward on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 9:30 am at
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, 70
West Main Street, Baltic, CT followed by interment
in the Veterans Cemetery in Exeter RI at 12:15 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be
given, In Memory of Edward, to: The Vietnam Agent
Orange Relief and Responsibility Campaign at
www.vn-agentorange.org or to: St. Joseph's
Catholic School, 10 School Hill Road, Baltic, CT
06330.
Ed was a great pilot, father and friend.
This information was last updated 06/19/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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