Robert Emmett FitzGibbons M.D.

Born in 1961 in Chicago, Illinois to James and Rita FitzGibbons, Bob was the youngest of six, a role that made him both a quiet observer and a steady presence amid the joyful chaos of a big Irish family. The FitzGibbons home was filled with laughter, music and Rita’s Hello Dolly dessert, traditions Bob proudly carried into his own home years later.

Bob attended Evanston Township High School (Evanston, Illinois) before attending Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) where he discovered his calling in medicine and met the love of his life, Elizabeth (“Libby”) Ann Jolliffe.

After earning his medical degree from Loyola-Stritch School of Medicine (Maywood, Illinois), Bob and Libby married in 1988. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Northwestern University (Chicago, Illinois) followed by a fellowship in sports medicine at Methodist Sports Medicine Center (Indianapolis, Indiana), all while welcoming their first two daughters, Bridget and Maggie.

The family later settled in Longmont, Colorado, where Bob began his career at Front Range Orthopedic Center and where they welcomed their third daughter, Lauren. They quickly fell in love with Longmont, building their forever home with views of Longs Peak and Lake McIntosh and a strong community of friends who quickly became family.

Bob built a respected 33-year career in Longmont. He was known not only for his skill as a surgeon, but for the calm, steady way he cared for his patients and team, as well as his signature collection of quirky, colorful ties. He was also deeply committed to his community, serving as a team physician for the St. Vrain Valley School District for 25 years and becoming a familiar presence on the Longmont High School football sidelines.

Outside the operating room, Bob stayed active and enjoyed as much time as possible outdoors with his family. He loved golf, skiing, music, travel and playing fetch with his dog, Zorro. While his passing feels far too soon, Bob lived a full and deeply meaningful life surrounded by those he loved.

Bob was fiercely loyal and quietly generous, the kind of person who showed up without being asked and rooted for others without needing recognition. He took great pride in his work, but his greatest joy was his family. In a fitting reflection of how he lived, Bob spent his final day walking the lake, golfing with Libby and watching the Masters, calling it “a perfect day”.

He will be remembered for his kindness, quiet confidence, dry humor, and the way he made everyone feel seen and supported.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, James FitzGibbons and Rita (Fisher) FitzGibbons, and his brother, Thomas FitzGibbons. He is survived by his beloved wife, Libby; his daughters, Bridget FitzGibbons (Alexander Reid), Maggie FitzGibbons, and Lauren FitzGibbons; and his siblings Margaret Higgins (Donald), Michael FitzGibbons (Sally), Ann FitzGibbons, James FitzGibbons (Judy), and sister-in-law Patty FitzGibbons (George Babcock) along with a wide circle of family, friends, colleagues, and patients whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed.

A service will be held in Longmont, Colorado on Monday, April 27th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Therapy Development Institute in memory of his brother, Thomas FitzGibbons.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com with his loving family.