FITZGERALD, Robert Burke “Fitz” 63, of Needham, June 19, 2014. Beloved son of the late Maynes Charles Fitzgerald and Dorothy Burke Fitzgerald of Needham, devoted nephew of the late Katherine Burke of Needham, and caring former spouse of Catherine (Doherty) Fitzgerald of New York City. Fitz was a long-term employee of the Media Services Department at the University of Massachusetts in Boston and a graduate of Ohio University. Fitz was a gifted musician and songwriter with a deep and abiding interest in jazz, blues and traditional music. He was an avid fisherman well versed in the ways of the Charles River. An accomplished athlete at Needham High School in his younger days, Fitz continued to root enthusiastically for all of the local sports teams. He always longed to have been on the road with Jack Kerouac, and he would have been pleased to know that he and Horace Silver were knocking on heaven’s door on the same day.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours at George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave. Needham, Tuesday, June 24 from 4-8 PM. A memorial celebration for Fitz is also planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers donations in Fitz’s memory may be made to Pine Street Inn, Boston.