John Fitzgerald

John (Jack) FitzGerald , passed away at age 94, on October 26, 2022. He was the son of the late John and Helen(Ungvarski) FitzGerald. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years Marian
K. Fitzgerald. Jack was a graduate of the THS class of 47. He and Marian continued strong friendships with their 47 Club couples for many years. Jack joined the Coast Guard right after graduating from high school and attained the rank of Petty Officer 3rd class. He was most proud of serving on the USCGS Eastwind- which mapped the underwater route in the Arctic Ocean used by the nuclear submarine Nautilus. He also had the honor of being the flag bearer and marching in the Coast Guard contingent for the inauguration of Harry Truman.
He worked for over 40 years with the Post Office, retiring as the Postmaster in Harwinton. He was always known for his friendly manner and ready to tell a joke. Jack may have been best known as “Mr. Fitz” to the generations of Torrington athletes who played basketball, football or softball. He was a referee for the Varsity Alumni league for over 30 years, coached Little League baseball (Giants), refereed Flag Football, and umpired men's and women's Softball into his 70’s. He was inducted into the Torrington High School Hall of fame in 2020- for his contributions to sports in the community. In addition to his direct involvement with games he served as an officer of the Torrington Midget football program and the Fuessenich Park Renovation Committee- which was instrumental in bringing the Torrington Twisters to town.
Jack is survived by his son, Mark FitzGerald, his wife Jane and grandson John FitzGerald. He is also survived by his niece Nancy Barbieri. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Brandywine Assisted Living of Litchfield for their many years of excellent care, the caregivers at Cherry Brook Healthcare for their compassionate care and the McLean Hospice team.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions can be made to Friendly Hands Food Bank, fhfb.org and the THS Athletic Fund ℅ Mike McKenna, Major Besse Dr. Torrington, CT 06790.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Oct 31st at 11 AM at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Harwinton. There are no calling hours. www.phalenfuneral.com

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