Robert Paul Fitzgerald, 73, of Higganum, CT, known as Fitz to some and Bob to most, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday September 20th, 2024.  Bob was born in Hoboken, NJ on April 20th, 1951, to Richard and Grace (Schlaier) Fitzgerald. His formative years were spent in Bergenfield, NJ, growing up as the middle child of five kids and being perpetually disciplined by the nuns and brothers of St. John's Parochial School and Bergen Catholic High School, where he graduated in 1969. He escaped New Jersey, attending Providence College and forming lifelong friendships through basketball, hockey, and football intramurals along with protesting to make the school co-ed, a welcome sight after twelve years attending all boys schools.  After graduating Providence in 1973 with a bachelor's degree in accounting, he spent time backpacking through Europe, seeing a few Grateful Dead concerts, and living in Portland, OR while working odd jobs that gave him the flexibility to head to the mountains to ski when the snow was good. He moved back east in the late '70s, taking a job at Popsicle Corporation in Englewood, NJ where he met his future wife, Marianne. The two worked together in the accounting department and formed a relationship over free samples of frozen novelties from the Popsicle R&D department. They simultaneously earned MBA's in accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson in 1982 and tied the knot on June 12th, 1982. In search of more space they moved to Higganum, CT in 1984, building their forever home on Skunk Misery Road and starting a family.

Over the years Bob worked in accounting and financial reporting roles for various companies in central Connecticut, but truly prioritized being a father and supporting the extra-curricular endeavors of his three kids. He imparted his love of sports and the outdoors by coaching several soccer, basketball, baseball and softball teams, taking on the role of cub scout troop leader, and being there for every dance recital, archery tournament, and chorus, theater or band performance. Even after his kids were out of youth sports, he still volunteered as a board member for the Haddam Parks and Recreation Commission, Haddam Little League and Haddam Killingworth Soccer Club. He made sure each of his kids knew how to ski before they were in preschool, teaching them on the bunny hill at Powder Ridge, and even taught all three how to golf, building out his perfect foursome. Bob took every opportunity to bring his family to see the Whalers, UConn Huskies, and all the minor league baseball and hockey teams in CT.

When he wasn't coaching or shuttling his kids all over the state, he enjoyed woodworking, building and refinishing several pieces of furniture that filled his home, listening to an eclectic range of music, from the Grateful Dead and Neil Young, to R.E.M. and Dave Brubeck, and finishing every day with a cookie, piece of candy or ice cream. He was an avid, some would say long suffering professional sports fan, rooting for the Jets, Mets and Rangers (his kids especially appreciate that he never imparted his professional sports fandom onto them) but also loved college basketball rooting for the Providence Friars and UConn Huskies. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of sports and music facts and loved telling stories about the concerts and sporting events he attended, including sneaking into the '76 winter Olympics with a homemade press pass.  Despite living with Parkinson's for over a decade, Bob never let his diagnosis impact his life. Retirement allowed him the time to travel with Marianne and his kids including trips to Europe, Hawaii, and road trips throughout Canada and the US, including visits to over 30 national parks and annual trips to Manasota Key, FL. He continued to golf regularly, cross country ski when conditions allowed, bike, travel and hike. He adored his two grandsons and would shower them with love and attention, get down on the floor to play trucks or read the same book for the 100th time.  Bob will be incredibly missed by all who knew him. He was a genuinely great guy and better father and grandfather, even keeled and always ready with an interesting fact, anecdote, or music recommendation. He battled Parkinson's and never let it take away his ability to be there for his family, making sure he was able to walk his daughter down the aisle and romp around with his grandsons. He truly lived life to the fullest.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Marianne, parents Richard and Grace, and brother Richard. He is survived and missed by his children Ryan & wife Jacklyn of Hoboken, NJ, Kyle of Higganum, CT, Erin & husband David Boscarino of Burlington, CT, grandsons Aiden and Colin Fitzgerald, sister Maureen Macdonald of Brattleboro, VT, sister Jeanne (James) Lawton of Cary, NC, brother Kevin (Sandy) Fitzgerald of Oak Ridge, NJ, several nieces and nephews, and grandpup Pico.  In Bob's memory and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (https://www.michaeljfox.org/) or the V Foundation (https://www.v.org/).

Visitation hours are Friday, September 27th from 4-8 PM at B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 S Elm St, Wallingford, CT 06492. Robert’s Funeral Service will be Saturday, September 28th, starting 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Following the service, he will join Marianne at their final resting place at All Saints Cemetery, 700 Middletown Ave, North Haven, CT 06473. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.BaileyCares.com.