Edward Joseph Fitzgerald

Edward Joseph FitzGerald's physical life ended on June 15, 2016 after a short but arduous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children, grandchildren and brother allowing him to pass peacefully and to continue on in his spiritual journey.?Ed Jr. was born on May 3, 1943 in Jackson Heights, New York, to Edward and Dorothy (DeChiara)?FitzGerald.?He lived on Long Island, graduating from?Chaminade?High School and continuing his education at Providence College. He was accepted into the first ROTC Aviation program and became a skilled helicopter pilot. He served over four years in the Army Medical Service as a Medevac pilot.?During the Vietnam War, Ed flew hundreds of rescue missions, logging thousands of flying hours and saving countless lives, all while risking his own. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, (military decoration for heroism on aerial duty.) Upon discharge, Ed and his family moved to California, endured the 1971 San Fernando earthquake, and then relocated to central Connecticut. He was employed by AETNA Life and Casualty Insurance Company in Hartford, while continuing to fly helicopters with the CT Army National Guard. After retirement, Ed worked part-time jobs in Rhode Island and Georgia. Ed is loved and survived by his six children: Angela Landolphi and her husband Robert?of Hampton, CT; Kathleen?FitzGerald?of?Maynard, MA; Michael FitzGerald and fianc?e?Jacey?Nguyen?of Smyrna, GA; Edward FitzGerald and his wife Jill of Mableton, GA; Kevin FitzGerald and his wife Darlene?of Coventry, CT; and?Maryanna?FitzGerald?of Smyrna, GA. He?s also survived by his brother, James and his wife, Jacqueline of Cranston, RI; his nine?beautiful grandchildren;?his niece and nephews, Aunt Mary?Feliz of FL,?and former spouse Elizabeth Ann (Kopko)?FitzGerald?of Manchester, CT. Ed's quick sense of humor and smile were contagious. He was an avid reader, very competitive card player, quick with the English language, and?a lifetime New York Yankees fan. He was most happy?when spending?time with his children?watching and playing?baseball,?attending?car races, camping, playing Bingo,?going to concerts, trying new restaurants?and?taking road trips. He?had an uncanny memory for detailed directions and landmarks all over the country.?He had a soft spot for any dog he met and loved our pets as members of the family. His?beloved?grandchildren spent cherished time with him?playing?games, talking baseball, writing stone soup recipes,?reading?stories,?and?doing homework and puzzles. He?loved?attending?their many?parties,?recitals,?and?concerts?a treasure trove that no money could buy. Ed was a truly humble, kind, generous man who loved to laugh, held us when we cried and reached out to assist anyone in times of need. He was the calm in a storm or crisis, and a man of great patience?..We were all truly blessed to have had Ed in our lives, and to have been a part of his life. Our bank of memories is full and precious, and will never fade. He will be loved for an eternity. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. Calling hours will be held on Monday June 20, 2016 from 5:00-8:00 pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in memory of Edward on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at?9:30?am at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, 70 West Main Street, Baltic, CT followed by?interment in the Veterans Cemetery in Exeter RI at 12:15 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given, In Memory of Edward, to: The Vietnam Agent Orange Relief and Responsibility Campaign at? www.vn-agentorange.org or to: St. Joseph?s Catholic School, 10 School Hill Road, Baltic, CT 06330. Charitable donations may be made to:The Vietnam Agent Orange Relief and Responsibility CampaignP.O.Box 303 - Prince Station, New York NY 10012-0006Web: http://www.vn-agentorange.org/index.htmlSt . Joseph's Catholic School - Baltic10 School Hill Rd., Baltic CT 06330