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: 01/11/2025
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