Robert E. Fitzgerald Jr.

Robert E. Fitzgerald, Jr., 77, of Portland, Maine, born June 20, 1934, in Lynn, Massachusetts passed away unexpectedly on January 4, 2012 in Portland. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Cynthia Ellison Fitzgerald.

Bob and Cynthia have been long time, committed members of the Episcopal Church at the Cathedral of St. Luke, where they were deeply involved in the mission and ministry of the church. Bob was a dedicated volunteer at St. Luke's food pantry and in the past with The Salvation Army Christmas effort. Bob is a veteran of the Korean War, and served in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. A machinist by trade, Bob loved fixing anything mechanical and was very resourceful in finding solutions. He was active in both the Girl and Boy Scouts and earned the prestigious Wood Badge. He had been active in the past with the M.H.N.O. and was a past lecturer in Lynn Grange. Bob was known for his contagious sense of humor and was always ready with a joke or a prank, and had the gift of gab. He was fondly called “Buddy” by all the kids.

Also surviving are his four children Jhon (Valerie) Fitzgerald of Westbrook, James (Melissa) Fitzgerald of Steep Falls, Jill Fitzgerald of South Portland, Jayne (William) Rudy of Jacksonville, Florida, and bonus daughter, Laura Ridley of South Portland, four siblings J. Peter (Ana) Fitzgerald of Norway, Howard Fitzgerald of Ipswich, Mass, Anne Fitzgerald Smith of Asheville, NC, and Alan (Robin) Fitzgerald of Grand Island, Nebraska, 10 grandchildren, and 8 great- grandchildren as well as many other family members and friends.

Preceding him in death are his parents Robert and Ruth Fitzgerald, his brothers George Fitzgerald of Ipswich, Mass., and Brian Fitzgerald of Springfield, Mass.

Bob was a faithful, good-hearted and fun-loving man and a devoted husband, father, brother and grandfather.   He will be sadly missed by all those whose lives he has touched.

A Celebration of Life and Eucharist will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 11 AM at    The Cathedral of St. Luke, 143 State St., Portland, Maine 04101, The Very Reverend Dr. Benjamin A. Shambaugh-Dean will officiate. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions, in Bob's name, be made to St. Luke’s food pantry.

Photos and condolences may be emailed to [email protected].