1919 – 2019
Just two months away from his 100th birthday, Pat Fitzgerald, of Sydney, passed away May 30, 2019 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, surrounded by family.
Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late Frank and Stella (Doherty) Fitzgerald, who lived at 139 George Street in Sydney. Pat was a veteran of World War ll, having fought in Europe. After the war he began working for Employment Insurance (Manpower), retiring in 1979. He was a long time resident of Cabot Street, helping to establish the cabot street Co-op housing group. Pat also served as president of the Co-Op grocery store in Ashby in its early days and was a proud founding member of the Sydney Credit Union, holding member number 11. For the last seven years he lived with his son Owen and daughter-in-law, Joyce.
Pat will be sadly missed by his daughter, Dorothy (Andy Willan), Hamilton, sons; Art (Debbie), St. Louis, and Owen (Joyce), Sydney. He is also survied by 11 grandchildren, Ryan and Kevin Fitzgerald, St. Louis, Meagan Willan, Berkeley, California, Nick (Jessie) Willan, Ottawa, Bradley and Gregory Fitzgerald, Toronto, Sheri Fitzgerald, Sydney, Scott Fitzgerald, Toronto, Lori (Fitzgerald) Lahey, Sydney, Leanne (Fitzgerald) Stone, Sydney and John Patrick Fitzgerald, Sydney. Pat is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren, Brittney, Kyler, Liam, Graham, Sophie, Madison, Olivia, Haley, Emma, Sarah, Molly and Benjamin.
Pat was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Kaye (nee Doyle) in 2012. He was also predeceased by sons Frank (Cathy), Jackie (Trilby), and sisters Lillian Doucet, Sadie Heffernan, Stella Jennings, Dorothy Hearn and brother Wilfred. Pat was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
His children and grandchildren will sadly miss the many stories Dad/Papa told, especially the stories about his time in the Second World War, the Great Depression and his early days growing up in Sydney. There are many fond memories of growing up on Cabot Street, of the corn boils and the backyard rinks. Pat often attributed his long life and good health to keeping active; he particularly enjoyed skating, long walks and gardening.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 from 2-4, and 7-9 pm at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St., Sydney. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys church (formerly St. Joseph’s) on Cabot St. on Thursday June 6, 2019 at 11 am. Reception at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel, following the mass. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
In lieu of flowers we request that a donation be made to the Alzheimer Society, Heart and Stroke, or Hospice Palliative Care of Cape Breton.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.twcurry.com.
