Robert W. FitzGerald

Colonel Robert W. FitzGerald, US Army, Ret. of Reading passed away on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. He was 80 years of age.

Born on October 26, 1935 in Dorchester, Robert was the loving son of the late Chester W. FitzGerald and Anna (Danner) FitzGerald. Robert was a warm and caring son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Robert graduated from Anna Maria College and the Massachusetts Military Academy. Upon graduation from the Massachusetts Military Academy, he rose to the rank of Colonel and retired as Director of Personnel of the Massachusetts National Guard. His true love was for his family. He adored and cherished his grandchildren. His favorite thing to do was making memories with his family. They were first and foremost in his life. Robert devoted his life to the military, fatherhood and grandparenting.

Robert was the beloved husband for 50 years of the late Diane (Covino) FitzGerald. He was the devoted father of Laura Pica and her husband James. The cherished grandfather of Eric and Elizabeth, Robert was the dear brother of Kenneth FitzGerald and his wife Jo and the late Frances Maddox. He was also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

Funeral from the Doherty – Barile Family Funeral Home, 11 Linden St. READING Friday, April 22nd at 12pm followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Robert's Eternal Life in St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill St. Reading at 1pm. Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with the Family on Thursday, April 21st from 4-8pm in the Funeral Home. Parking attendants and ramped entrance are available. Interment with Military Honors will take place at Wood End Cemetery, Reading.

Please honor Robert by making a donation in his memory to Diane's Pen Pals, PO Box 455 Beverly, MA 01915.