Retired Boston Firefighter, Engine Co. 24 and Past President and Vice President of Boston Firefighters Union Local # 718. James B. "Jimmy, Fitzy" Fitzgerald, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He was 79 years old.
Jimmy was born in Boston on October 2, 1937, a son of the late James Fitzgerald and Katherine (Duffy) Fitzgerald. He grew up in Charlestown where he was educated at St. Mary's Parochial School and graduated from Charlestown High School in 1955. He furthered his education and received his Associates Degree in Fire Science from Bunker Hill Community College. Jimmy enlisted into the United States Army on October 29, 1956. After basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey he volunteered for the Airborne and was sent to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was assigned to E Company, 1st Airborne Battle Group, 327th Infantry for advanced infantry and then airborne school. He was discharged on August 15, 1963. He then joined A Company, 11th SFGA, a Reserve Unit in Boston. He served as a light and heavy weapons leader, intelligence and operations sergeant. He retired in 1988 with 32 years of service, all Airborne. His awards and decorations include EIB, MSM with OLC, ACM, MM, AGCM, USARAM, NDSM, AFRM, CWVM, Master Parachutist and Jungle Expert Badges, Canadian, British, German and French Parachute Badges. Jimmy was also a member of United States Army Parachute Team "Golden Knights". He is a recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star w/OLC, Purple Heart w/OLC, Meritorious Service w/OLC, Army Commendation w/OLC and Army Achievement.
While serving with A Company, 11th SFGA, he was appointed to the Boston Fire Department on September 1972. He was assigned to Engine Company 7 and on December 17, 1975 he was transferred to engine company 24 where he served the rest of his career. In 1979, Jimmy was awarded the John E. Fitzgerald Medal for Most Meritorious Act for his actions on February 17, 1979, Engine Company 24 responded to a fire at 422 Columbia Road in Dorchester. While in the process of advancing a 2/12" line to the fourth floor, Firefighter James B. Fitzgerald was informed that people were trapped on the fifth floor. Immediately he ascended to the fifth floor and searched for victims. Directed by cries for help, Firefighter Fitzgerald found a man and woman whom he started to lead from the burning building. Due to smoke and heat conditions encountered, he alternately used his air mask piece on both victims in order to bring them to safety. Because of Firefighter Fitzgerald's judicious use of his respiratory equipment and his exercise of good judgment, he undoubtedly saved those two people from injury or death. Jimmy was Past President, Vice President, Treasurer and Historian for Boston Firefighters Union Local # 718. He was a member of the Boston Fire Department Scuba Team, Boston Fire Department Retirement Board and the Boston Fire Department Gaelic Fire Brigade. Jimmy retired from the Boston Fire Department on January 1, 2002 following 30 years of dedicated service to the City of Boston.
Jimmy was Founder and President of The Halligan Club of Charlestown and member of Bunker Hill Council # 62, Knights of Columbus and the 520 Club of Charlestown. In 1987 Jimmy was elected Mayor of Charlestown by his faithful following of Townies in the town. Jimmy enjoyed traveling the world especially his many trips to Ireland where he would play Santa Claus around every Christmas season.
Jimmy is the beloved husband of 58 years to Frances M. (Strano) Fitzgerald. He is the devoted father of Kathleen Lynch and her husband Daniel, Michele Yandle and her husband John and Linda Liberatore. He is the loving Pa to Justine and her husband Brian, Evan, Seamus and his wife Sarah, Liam, Conal, Sabrina and GG Pa to Lulette and Vivienne. He is the beloved brother of John Fitzgerald, Michael Fitzgerald and the late Joseph "Jay" Fitzgerald.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Jimmy's Funeral on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 9 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 55 Warren St. Charlestown at 10 A.M. His burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. His visiting hours will be on Friday, August 25, 2017 from 4 to 8 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Jimmy's name to the Boston Firefighters Kids Foundation, 60 Hallet St. Dorchester, Mass. 02124.