Richard A. Fitzgerald

On June 11, 2024 Richard Allen Fitzgerald, of Reading, passed away surrounded by family after a brief illness. 

Born May 17, 1986 in Salem, MA Richard is the cherished son of Margaret (Byrne) Fitzgerald and the late Thomas Fitzgerald. He was educated in the Reading School system and earned his high school diploma from the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School enrolled in the sheet metal program.  After graduating he started working for various local HVAC companies, but his passion for life eventually led him out of attics and into the kitchen.  Richard would go on to compile an exceptional culinary resume, working in the high pressure environment of downtown Boston kitchens.  Soon he worked his way up to running many of those kitchens himself.    

However following the birth of his son, Sonny Thomas in 2015, Richard left the long hours and prestige of the restaurant lifestyle to focus his energy on his new pride and joy.  Taking a job as a line cook in the dining services department of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Richard soon rose through the ranks to the position of Shop Steward for Local Union 26.  Richard took pride in this new position as it would allow his to advocate for his newly found "family" of coworkers at MIT.  

When not fighting for a new union contract or picketing with his union brethren, Richard enjoyed nature to its fullest.  He greatly enjoyed camping and fishing, and was also known to frequent Bare Meadow in Reading or the Breakheart Reservation for hikes with his boy.  Richard was a seeker of all that life had to offer.  In his years he managed to drive cross country in search of "an adventure" and often lamented his decision to leave Maui after in impromptu trip to see friends.  As he evolved from careless wanderer to dotting father, Richard always loved with his whole heart.  He held a strong belief in the family that you choose, forging strong and endearing bonds with all he came across. He prided himself on always offering to lend a helping hand or compassionate ear without a second's hesitation.        

Richard leaves behind his cherished son Sonny Fitzgerald, and Sonny's mother Stephanie DeMarco. In addition he is survived by his brothers Matthew Fitzgerald and friend Brian Nicholson, Ryan Fitzgerald and family, and Rory Fitzgerald and Richard's Townie in Law "Shelly."  He was the adored uncle of Logan and Paxton Fitzgerald and "heterosexual life mate" of Mike MacDonald. Richard is also survived by his wonderful Aunt Patricia Byrne, Cousins Eric and Edwin Bracero as well as his half-sisters and many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and most of all his friends. 

Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share memories on Friday June 21, 2024 at the Barile Family Funeral Home 482 Main St. (RT28) STONEHAM from 4 pm to 7 pm.  A Prayer Service Celebrating Richard's Eternal Life will begin at 5 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Richard's memory to the Sonny Thomas Fitzgerald Fund - The Savings Bank, 357 Main Street, Wakefield, MA 01880.