Obituary of John "Fitzy" Fitzgerald

John Joseph Fitzgerald (Fitzy), passed away suddenly at the age of 60 of an acute illness. John was born  to his parents John and Peggy Fitzgerald at Winchester hospital. He was the oldest of his five. John was  always looking for adventure growing up. The family moved to Belmont in 1967. John loved playing  hockey and baseball. When John was just ten years old, he pulled some money together and bought his  first dirt bike. His parents weren’t sure where John got the money from, but they knew they didn’t give  it to him. John loved riding his dirt bike all around town. His love of motorcycles grew stronger all the  time; the family moved to Burlington to have more land for the kids to play and ride.  

John was always willing to help his dad out around the house. His dad was very handy, the two did  everything from plumbing to electrical work and everything in between to keep their house up and  running. John met some hard challenges in his teen years and became a bigger handful for his parents.  Yet their love never stopped. They did everything they could to help him to be a healthy, successful  adult. He went to a private school in Belmont and was still able to receive his degree from Burlington  High School.  

John always worked hard, he was never unemployed for long, and rarely sat still. He was always busy doing something from driving trucks, painting, carpentry, odd jobs here and there or just enjoying the  countryside on his Harley. Then he met Lynne and they had their first son, Butch who made him the happiest man alive. They were able to purchase their first house in Woburn and then moved to a bigger  home in Winchendon. There they had their second proudest moment, the birth of Jake. John was so  proud of both his boys and the accomplishments they have made. He never lost his love of riding  though; in his spare time, he was always out on his Harley. He would drive his Harley year-round, even  during a blizzard.  

Over 30 years ago, John got sober and became a huge advocate for those who were trying to do the  same. He has helped hundreds stay sober. John had a huge heart of GOLD and proved it every day with  his actions. He drove his cousin Bobby for a ride around town just to get them out of the house when he  was terminally ill. Just to see Bobby smile made him happy. He would drive an hour or more to give rides to meetings for anyone who needed  one. He’d give anyone his last dime. He basically lived paycheck to paycheck but it didn’t stop him from  sharing anything and everything he had with others. John was a great cook, and loved to make his  family and friends a great meal; especially a perfect steak on the grille.  

John was the beloved son of John and Margaret (Peggy) Fitzgerald of Tyngsborough. He was the loving  father of Butch and Jake Fitzgerald. He was the adored brother of Kathleen Fitzgerald of Shirley, Patricia  (Patti Fitzgerald) Ungerson and her husband Andrew(Andy) of Billerica, Brian Fitzgerald of Tyngsborough  and the late Michael Fitzgerald. He was the uncle to Sean & Matt Fitzgerald, and Celia & Drew Ungerson; and survived by his loving girlfriend,Melissa Goranson of Fitchburg. He leaves behind many family and friends that  are too numerous to mention. He has made a huge impact on so many lives and he will be greatly missed. 

Visiting hours for John will be Friday, March 3, from 4 to 7 PM at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home,  43 Winn Street, Burlington, MA 01803. A memorial service for John will be held on Saturday, March 4, at  10 AM at St. Margaret’s Church of St. Veronica’s Parish, 111 Winn Street, Burlington, MA 01803.  

For the online guest book, tribute video and service information, please visit www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.