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Walter M. Fitzgerald (12/10/1949-4/26/2002)
Of Chatham, suddenly, April 26, 2002, formerly of Bedford. Beloved son of Doris L. Fitzgerald and the late William Fitzgerald. Devoted brother of Ellen Roberts and her husband John of Bedford. Also survived by 2 nieces, Amy Bruning of Concord and Alison Howard of Roslindale. Funeral arrangements are private. Donations may be made in Walter's memory to the American Heart Assoc., 20 Speen St., Framingham MA 01701. Published in the Boston Globe from 4/29/2002 - 4/30/2002
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Toni A. Picariello
(From John McGinnis)Deceased Classmate: Walter Fitzgerald '68
Date Deceased:
Age at Death: 53
Cause of Death: stroke
Classmate City: Chatham
Classmate State: MA
Classmate Country: USA
Survived By: His sister Ellen
Walt Fitzgerald, better known to all of us as "Fitz," was my best friend since the fourth grade at Carter Avery, and was truly the brother I never had as an only child. In seventh grade at Pollard, he and I started smoking (he kept his "weeds" in his trumpet case in a bandaid box), but eventually I quit and Fitz did not. Two packs a day for forty years takes its toll, and despite his otherwise incredible fitness (he still wore the same size jeans at 45 that he wore in high school), eventually the cigarettes claimed him. It is really touching that he is listed as one of us as he truly is in spirit. On a technicality he moved to Edina Minnestota the summer of our sixteeth year -- he and I drove his Bug out there under strict parental supervision -- and actually graduated from Edina High School -- which he hated! Fitz had a great career at Target, where he managed many stores and ran national hard lines/automotive. As a few of you may recall we were in very different circles at NHS, but our friendship was built around our three common interests: fast cars, fast sailboats and pretty girls :). He retired from Target in his late forties (lucky guy) and bought a beautiful home in Chatham, MA which had been his lifelong dream. One day, while re-plastering the upstairs hallway, he had a massive stroke, and according to doctors was probably gone before he hit the floor. I found out when his Mom called me. Oddly, there was no funeral, even for the immediate family, as far as I know. I guess they did not want closure. Sandi Hicks and I will never forget "Fitz," and we hope you will remember him once in a while in you thoughts. JMcG 11/09/08