Monday, September 5, 2022
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We just lost the best Dad and Papa on the planet. My Dad, Francis X. Fitzgerald, 84, slipped away peacefully in his sleep early yesterday morning at his home in East Berlin, CT. I wish everyone had a Dad like mine, the world would be a much better place. He loved unconditionally, had an amazing sense of humor and always saw the good in people, even when they were not so good. And he loved to give out flashlights because you never know when you'll need one - only Dad. I must have 50+ flashlights from him.
Even in his darkest Alzheimer’s days, he was still trying to take care of his "Susie" - Susan Fitzgerald. We will take good care of Mom for you, Dad. For 59 years, my Mom and Dad deeply loved and took care of each other, no matter what. On their first date, he bought my Mom a new pair of penny loafer shoes because her shoes were totally worn out. Then he put the pennies in them for her - so cute.
He was blessed to be deeply loved by his four children, Christine Fitzgerald, Michael Fitzgerald and his wife Mary McCann Fitzgerald, Matthew Fitzgerald and Frank Fitzgerald and his wife Charlotte Fitzgerald. He was a very proud Papa to his six grandchildren, Patrick Fitzgerald, Kyle Fitzgerald, Kelly Sparmer, Katy Sparmer, Sophie Fitzgerald and Liam Fitzgerald. I always admired the unique relationship he had with each of his grandchildren - it was a special bond with each one and his rescue grand dog, Tux. Tux and Dad just seemed to get each other from day one. He always said, Tux is my best friend.
I can still hear him singing Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah in the backyard with one of my girls happily on his shoulders. They loved it when he sang that song and they would say, again Papa, again.
Hours before he passed, I kissed him and said goodbye Dad. I said, I love you and he said, I love you too. I wish I had stayed longer now. Please tell the ones you love that you love them and give them an extra hug because it may be the last time.
Blowing you so many kisses, Dad with the song "One of the Good Ones" playing in my head. Peace, hun xoxo. I was very lucky to be your daughter.
We will celebrate his life on Friday, September 9th at 10 am during a Mass at Sacred Heart Church, 48 Cottage Street in East Berlin, CT. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in Southington, CT in my Dad’s memory to help others who struggle with the disease he battled with for years at this link, https://www.alz.org?form=alz_donate
He would love continuing to help others in his passing. Farrell Funeral Home in New Britain, CT is managing the service.
- Christine Fitzgerald, Frank's Daughter
