QUINEBAUG, CT – Francis B. “Fitz” Fitzgibbons, age 90, died of natural causes on April 29, 2011.
He was born on July 21, 1920 in Quinebaug, the son of Frank and Nellie (Canty) Fitz-gibbons and lived there most of his life. He graduated from Tourtellotte Memorial High School in North Grosvenordale in 1938 and then studied at Cole Trade High School in Southbridge, MA.
He served his country in the Navy in World War II from 1942 to 1945 and saw action aboard the destroyers USS Tatnall and USS Barry in the North Atlantic and in the Mediterranean. His unit received a presidential citation for sinking multiple German submarines.
Mr. Fitzgibbons married Anne K. “Kaye” Kubik on October 25, 1947. He was a printer at the American Optical Company in Southbridge, MA for 19 years. He then worked for the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles for 28 years, retiring as a sergeant in 1985. He also was a constable in Thompson for many years.
Mr. Fitzgibbons led an active community life. He was a communicant of Saint Stephen’s Church and sang in its choir. He was a member and former secretary for the Quinebaug Volunteer Fire Department for 60 years. He belonged to the Thompson Historical Society and contributed many stories to its publication “Echoes of Old Thompson.”
“Pa” enjoyed Irish music and playing his harmonica. He loved reading. He made homemade walking sticks. He led a quiet life of exemplary service.
Besides his wife of 63 years, he leaves 2 sons, Mark Fitzgibbons and his wife Lonnie of Woodstock, and Neil Fitzgibbons of Kennesaw, GA; 5 grandchildren, Dr. Timothy Fitzgibbons and his wife Dr. Christine Fitzgibbons of Hopkinton, MA, John Fitzgibbons and his wife Amara of Worcester, MA, Patrick Fitzgibbons of Charlestown, MA, Kathleen Salter and her husband Thomas of Worcester, MA and Conor Fitzgibbons of Cartersville, GA; a great grandson, Matthew Francis Fitzgibbons of Hopkinton, MA; a sister, Agnes Archambault of Quinebaug; nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by a sister, Bridie McSweeney, and by a brother, Joseph Fitzgibbons, both of Quinebaug.
The funeral will he held Thursday, May 5, at 11:00 AM in St. Stephen’s Church, corner of Routes 197 & 131 (please meet at the church). Burial will be private. There are no calling hours. Donations in his name may be made to either St. Stephen’s Church, PO Box 222, or to the Quinebaug Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 144, both in Quinebaug, CT 06262, or to Day Kimball Hospice, PO Box 6006, Putnam, CT 06260. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main St., Webster, MA.