Reginald P. Fitzgerald Jr. (Peter), 81 of Whitman MA; formerly of West Palm Beach FL. died on January 28, 2017 peacefully at home surrounded by family after a long illness.
Peter was born at South Shore Hospital on August 29, 1935 to his parents Reginald P. and Gertrude (McGran) Fitzgerald. Peter grew up in Braintree and was a proud member of the first graduating class of Archbishop Williams High School in 1953. He attended Providence College and earned a degree in Business Management in 1957. While at Providence College he was enrolled in the ARMY ROTC program.
After graduating college, he served as a Second Lieutenant and was honorably discharged from the United States Army. He became Vice President of the family owned manufacturing business Pneumatic Drop Hammer of Braintree Massachusetts. The Pneumatic Drop Hammer was invented by his grandfather William H. Fitzgerald and his father Reginald P. Fitzgerald. Products they were most proud of that were manufactured on their machines were the Medal of Honor, United States Currency, and gold and silver products for the jewelry and flatware industries. After his beloved father's death, Peter became President and owner of the company.
Reginald also stayed active in the Archbishop Williams High School Community and coached the JV Basketball team for several years after graduating college.
On August 20, 1960, he married life long love, Helen Davidson Bodel. They were married at St. Francis Xavier Church in Weymouth MA. For many years, they taught Pre Cana Marriage classes for the Catholic Church. They lived in South Weymouth and Norwell before settling in Duxbury with their 4 children.
Like his father before him, Peter was heavily involved in Braintree Rotary and became a Rotarian president in 1973. He was a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award.
Due to his love of boating, he became an instructor in the United States Power Squadron. He joined the Plymouth Yacht Club in 1977 where he enjoyed many years of boating and social activities. He was an avid golfer and was also a member of the Halifax Country Club for many years. He also enjoyed working as a ranger at Waverly Oaks Golf Club in Plymouth. However, his biggest claim to fame with his golf game was a hole in one at the Lake Worth Golf Club in Florida. Peter and Helen also enjoyed many years of world wide traveling.
Peter was an enthusiastic supporter of his children in all endeavors but had a special passion for cheering on his children at their sporting events. He and his wife were constant figures in the stands; travelling to various towns and states to support his children.
Peter retired in 1999 and eventually moved to West Palm Beach Florida where he enjoyed playing golf and became a course ranger at the Village Golf Club. He worked as a volunteer for the West Palm Beach Police Department as a Citizen on Patrol. He also received the honor of Third Degree of the Knights of Columbus.
Peter was a man of great integrity who shared his sense of humor and his constant stories with everyone. He most enjoyed spending time, holidays and gatherings with family and friends. His favorite was his birthday celebration for which he jokingly started reminding his family and friends a month in advance.
Peter was proud to see his children become adults and give him his greatest joys, his grandchildren. His desire to be closer to his family prompted his and Helen's move back to Massachusetts in 2014.
He leaves his beloved wife Helen of 56 years. He was the cherished father of the late Laureen A. Barrett and her husband Charles, Reginald P. Fitzgerald III and his wife Kelly, John Fitzgerald and his girlfriend Karen Goslin, and Joanna Beaupre and her husband Paul. Sister of Joan M. Terrio and her husband Donald. Proud Grandfather of Meghan, Patrick, Ryan, Liam and Colin. And many nephews and cherished friends.
Relatives and Friends are invited to attend Funeral Services on Wednesday at 8:15 am from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel followed by a funeral mass at 9 am in the Holy Ghost Parish, 518 Washington Street, Whitman. Burial will be private. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday from 4 to 8 pm at Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth St. (Rte. 58 at the rotary circle), Whitman.
Memorial donations may be made in Peter's name to the Williams Fund at Archbishop Williams High School, 40 Independence Avenue Braintree, MA 02184