Gerald M. “Jerry” FitzGerald – 88 – of 90 ½ Elm St., Hornell, died early Sunday morning (November 27, 2016) at the Bath VA Hospital following a long illness.
A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born February 6, 1928 and was the son of Michael & Johanna (Schreck) FitzGerald.
Jerry attended St. Ann’s School and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1946). He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1946 – 1948. While in the Army, he was stationed in Korea (prior to the Korean Conflict).
He was employed for about 20 years as a welder at Foster-Wheeler Corporation in Dansville, retiring in 1986. Following his “retirement” Jerry worked as a welder at Morrison-Knudsen (M-K) in Hornell for about 2 years. For many years, he served as a “jack of all trades” at the Hornell Knights of Columbus and was in charge of many functions of the club, including basic maintenance, setting up for parties and ordering supplies such as food and bar products. He kept the K of C running like a well oiled machine!
Jerry was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where he served as an usher for many years. He was a member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH).
He was preceded in death by 6 sisters, Josephine FitzGerald, Mary Grieve, Alice Scott, Catherine “Cate” FitzGerald, Virginia FitzGerald and Eleanor FitzGerald; 2 brothers, Maurice FitzGerald and Francis FitzGerald.
Jerry was married on April 26, 1958 to the former Josephine Piano who survives. Also surviving are 1 son, Michael (Donna) FitzGerald of Walthan, MA; 1 daughter, Susan (Jose) Cruzado of Hornell; 3 grandchildren, Anderson Cruzado, Leidy Cruzado and Francy Cruzado; several nieces, nephews & cousins.
At Jerry’s request there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Jerry’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843. Click here to print a memorial form.
In recognition of Jerry’s service to his country as a member of the US Army, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.
TO JOSEPHINE AND FAMILY MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU.I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS ABOUT 10 YEARS OLD I USE TO GO TO THE ELMHURST DAIRY ON ERIE AVE AND WAIT FOR JERRY TO COME AND HE WOULD ALWAYS LET ME HELP LOAD AND UNLOAD THE DAIRY TRUCK AND GO WITH HIM ON HIS ROUTE THIS MIGHT SEEM LIKE A LITTLE THING BUT IT IS ALWAYS ON MY MIND TO THIS DAY.I WILL MISS THIS GREAT MAN AND GOD BLESS YOU JERRY. YOUR LITTLE HELPER BOBBY.
Please accept my condolences and those of my mother, Olga Brutsman. Jerry and Josephine were very kind to my grandmother, Mary Bay, when she rented 95 Elm Street from Josephine’s parents for so many years.
Jim Burd
Our family is deeply saddened by the loss of Jerry. I have known him from a very young age..my parents and Jerry’s family grew up together and remained close as they raised families. One of my fondest memories are of Christmas,Jerry and usually 1 of his children, coming? Thru the back yard for some holiday cheer. And every afternoon, around 12.30ish, he would knock on the side window of my parent’s house to grab my Dad for a couple of beers..RRR……his welcoming line
RIP Jerry👏👏👏👏👏 we LOVE you
Hornell lost another great man. Jerry’s witt & humor will be missed by all who knew him. I send my sincere condolences to Mrs. FitzGerald, Mike, Donna & the entire Family. My thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Josephine and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on the loss of Jerry. I’ve know him for so many years and worked with him at the K of C. It was a true Catholic Gentlemen, and now watches over all of us. He will be truly missed. God Bless you all at this difficult time.
Tom Drumm
Jo and family I just found out about the loss of you wonderful husband and father. Jerry was such a wonderful and giving man. He was loved by so many people. We send our love and prayers and we are sorry for your loss. He will be missed in Hornell.