Mr. Frederick Priestley Fitzgerald, 94, of Andover, Massachusetts, died at Academy Manor in Andover on January 21, 2008. Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on October 16, 1913, he was a son of the late Frederick and Sarah E. (Harrison) Fitzgerald. He was married for more than 67 years to Elizabeth (Croy).
A graduate of Columbia University in New York City, Fred was a true entrepreneur. He owned and operated M.T. & I. Co., specializing in industrial tools. He was an active member of the Free Christian Church of Andover. He served as a member of the choir, a deacon, a Sunday school teacher and was a driving force in the spiritual community.
While retaining strong ties to his native Lawrence, Mr. Fitzgerald devoted his life to the enrichment of the town of Andover. He was the founder of the Andover Fund for Education, a member of the Andover Finance Committee, a treasurer of the Andover Historical Association, a member of St. Matthew's Lodge A.F & F.M., Andover, and of Kiwanis International. He also worked at the polls for many years. He was an avid reader, and was recently heard reciting the 238-line Tennyson poem, Lochslea Hall, in its entirety, from memory.
Mr. Fitzgerald will be sorely missed by his beloved wife, Elizabeth, whom he married on April 3, 1940, as well as three loving daughters and two sons-in-law; Jane and her husband Michael J. Bailey of Newport, Rhode Island, Virginia Johnson of Mesa, Arizona and Catherine F. and her husband Marshall Meeks of Acton, six grandchildren; Kelly Bailey Pfirrmann, Michele Bailey Flood, Jennifer and Amy Johnson and Jesse and Sarah Meeks, and six great-grandchildren; Betheny, Cassidy, Tristin, Terence, Kaileigh and Reilly. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
His life was celebrated at a memorial service at the Free Christian Church, 31 Elm Street, Andover on Saturday, January 26, 2008, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Calling hours were held at the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover on Friday, January 25, 2008, from 4 to 7 PM. Burial was be private.
Donations in Frederick’s memory may be made to the Andover Fund for Education, the Free Christian Church or the charity of your choice. For additional information, please visit www.burkemagliozzi.com.