US Marine Corp veteran
MELROSE — With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of William P. “Fitzy” Fitzgerald who died peacefully on September 25 at the age of 86. Born and raised in Somerville, Fitzy graduated from St. John the Evangelist High School in 1957 and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps serving honorably including in Operation Blue Bat in Lebanon.
After his service, Fitzy joined Local 17 Sheet Metal Workers Union. During his career, he became a master of ornate copper fabrication and slate roofing. His work adorns many of Boston’s historic steeples. A mentor to younger roofers and a respected leader, he served as shop steward at Oak Roofing in Woburn until retiring in 1999.
During his retirement, Fitzy and his wife Carmella moved to Sausalito, CA. They spent several joyful years living on their boat the Dream Catcher. Following their return to Melrose, Fitzy climbed the ladder once again to continue his passion, this time trading his hammer and ripper for a camera and clipboard as a roofing inspector for Trem Co. Roofing for several years.
Though Fitzy held season tickets for the New England Patriots for many years, his true sports passion was baseball. As a young man, he played in the park leagues of North Cambridge and remained a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox throughout his life. When he wasn’t watching the boys of summer, he was spending cherished summer days with his family in York Beach, ME, his favorite place to relax, laugh and make memories.
Fitzy was a devoted husband to Carmella whom he affectionately called Camile; a loving father to Susan Milliken, Kenneth Fitzgerald, Mark Fitzgerald and Kevin Fitzgerald; and a loyal friend to many. Known lovingly as “Papa,” Fitzy held each of his grandchildren close to his heart and they brought him immeasurable joy and pride.
He is survived by Susan and her husband Jay Milliken along with their children Mathew and Olivia all of Manchester, NH. He is preceded in death by his beloved son Kenneth and daughter-in-law Paula Fitzgerald. Their passing weighed heavily on him and he carried their memory with quiet sorrow and enduring love. He is also survived by Kenneth and Paula’s children: Sean Fitzgerald and his wife Sarah Sweny Fitzgerald of Brighton; Patrick Fitzgerald of Boston; and Kerry Fitzgerald and her husband Kevin Dunphy of Walpole. He is also survived by Mark Fitzgerald and Marla Streb and their daughters Kiki and Nico all of Costa Rica; and Kevin Fitzgerald and Diane Melo-Reilly of Melrose and his children Kevin Jr., William and Edward of Medford; and by Diane’s daughters Lauren Reilly of Boston and Lily Reilly of Melrose. Growing up as the youngest of eleven children, Fitzy is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours were Wednesday, October 1 from 4-7 p.m. at Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose. His funeral Mass was held at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose on Thursday, October 2 at 11 a.m. followed by a burial with military honors at the Veterans Section of Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, donations to any of the following charities in his name were an honor to him: Soldier On, Wounded Warrior Project and VFW. Thank you!
Fitzy’s spirit lives on in the rooftops he shaped, the lives he touched and the love he gave so freely.