Obituary of Gilbert W. Fitzgerald

Gilbert W. FitzGerald

September 17, 1935 – January 5, 2018

            With tears in my eyes and an ache in my heart. I must tell of the passing of my best friend, soulmate and husband of 59 years, Gilbert Walter FitzGerald, on January 5, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. at Wilson Hospital, Johnson City, NY.  My sweetie, (also known as Gil, Fitz, or Bert) was born in Norwich, New York on September 7, 1935, to Ralph L. FitzGerald and Beatrice Aline (Male) FitzGerald.  He grew up in Owego, New York and graduated from Owego Free Academy.  After graduation, Gil enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served four years on various destroyers as an engineman.  We became pen pals while he was in the Navy.  We were engaged before we ever met, and the third time we saw each other was when he got leave to come to Missouri for our wedding.  We settled in Owego, New York, then in Candor, New York after his Navy obligation was finished.  Gil was predeceased by his grandparents, his parents, and his sister, Gertrude FitzGerald Savacool.  He is survived by his wife, Pat (Dobkins) FitzGerald; son, Brian FitzGerald, Binghamton, New York; daugher, Cheron FitzGerald, Champaign, Illinouis; daughter and son-in-law, Heather (FitzGerald) and Gerald Chwazik, Whitesboro, New York; three granddaughers, Becca Lloyd, Staunton, VA, Katie Chwazik (Chris Cushing), Albany, NY, Emily Chwazik (Kevin Clifford), Lundhurst, NJ; three great-grandchildren, Alex Carr, Jillian Lloyd, Grayson Cummings; along with his feline furbabies, Whitefeather and Tiger Lily.  Gil worked for Gold Medal Ladder Factory, Newark Valley, New York.  He was a member of the Catatonk Valley Woodcarvers Club and the Candor Historical Society.  There will be no calling hours or funeral services.  A family gathering will be held at a later date.  Those wishing may make a memorial contribution in Gil’s memory,  please consider either The Bread of Life Food Pantry, Candor, New York or the Candor Emergency Squad.