Francis I. “Pops” Fitzgerald, a resident of Andover, formerly of Medford, died at the Prescott Nursing Center in North Andover on Friday, December 31, 2010. He was 84 years old.
Born in Everett, on September 5, 1926, he was the beloved son of the late Edward and Ella (Callahan) Fitzgerald and was a graduate of Malden High School. Francis was a Disabled WWII Army veteran, entering the service at Fort Devens on August 21, 1944 and receiving his honorable discharge from Fort Devens on March 4, 1946. While in the Army, Mr. Fitzgerald served in the Red Arrow Division as a Rifle Man and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, for his outstanding service. He was also awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge. In civilian life, Frank worked for many years for the US Postal Service.
In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and also loved to travel, especially to Gloucester, Florida and New Hampshire. Frank was quite “Old School”, had a quick wit and was a gentle person. He was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Medford for more than 50 years. He loved cats and mostly missed his calico cat, Cleo.
He will be missed by his loving family, including his former wife, Barbara (Fitzpatrick) Fitzgerald of Medford, children; Barbara Colangeli and her husband John of Andover, and Mark Fitzgerald and his wife Denise of Andover and Ann Fitzgerald of Medford, ten grandchildren; Christine, Jennifer, John, Katherine, Cristin, Alexandra, Lauren, Shannon, Mark and Liam and two great-grandchildren, Sova and Chuckie and his daughter-in-law, Linda Fitzgerald of Lowell. Frank was pre deceased by his loving son Edward Fitzgerald of Andover. He will also be missed by his companion; Kay Feole of Andover and her six children; Kathy Able and Jake, Johnny, Tricia, David and Ralph Feole. Frank was also a dear friend of Bill Wilson .
His funeral service was celebrated in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover, Tuesday, January 4, 2011, at 7 PM. Many relatives and friends respectfully attended. Calling Hours were held in the Funeral Home, prior to the service, from 3 to 7 PM. Donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the New England Veterans Shelter, 17 Court St., Boston, MA 02108. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.