Christopher Edward Fitzgerald

Christopher Edward Fitzgerald “Decky”, a beloved father and grandfather passed away peacefully on May 20th, 2024, in Newcastle, Washington. He was 87 years old.

Born on December 22nd, 1936, in Dungarvan, County Waterford, Ireland, he was the youngest of six children. Chris’ grandmother nicknamed him “Decky.”

Decky always wanted to be a teacher. His model was the renowned Irish politician, poet and educator Patrick Pearse. Pearse was executed by an English firing squad in 1916, for his part the “Easter Uprising.” Teachers in Ireland at that time were responsible for teaching music. Hence, he had to put his teaching career on hold for lack of musical knowledge. Decky lived in an area in Ireland where only Gaelic was spoken and taught in schools. English was taught as a separate subject. His final national test was entirely in Gaelic.

Decky was a champion handball player and hurler. In handball, his doubles partner was the legendary John Kiely. John also played on the national hurling team. Decky and Kiely won several championships in handball for his County Waterford. On one occasion, Decky and Kiely clashed with the future world champion Paddy Kirby and his partner for the national semi-final trophy. Shortly afterward, Kirby settled in New York, and quickly became the world champion in handball.

Decky left Ireland for America to join his sister Kathleen and her husband Johnny Duggan in Tacoma, Washington, in 1957. Like many Irish immigrants, he arrived in a new wool suit with $12 dollars in his pocket. He wanted to follow his dream to become a teacher. He received his bachelor, master and education specialist degrees in education from Seattle University, and went on to a successful career serving as a teacher, counselor, principal, Director of Education and Superintendent of Schools.

In 1960, Chris married Priscilla Lancaster and declared their union to be the best and most important decision of his life. They were married for 64 years. He met Priscilla while she was completing her degree in Dietetics at the University of Washington. They had four daughters – Laura, Diane, Carol and Denise. Priscilla was the cement that held the family together during the course of Chris’ education career. His daughters were his pride and joy. Chris and Priscilla were long time members of St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic church in Renton, Washington.

After retiring from teaching, Chris joined The Boeing Company as a management consultant and a public schools and business representative in King and Pierce Counties. Chris represented Boeing on several occasions in Washington DC at the national school/business meetings. Priscilla loved exploring Washington DC and became an authority on subway system travel, the White House and east coast gardens.

Chris lived on the Atlantic Ocean growing up in Dungarvan. The Oregon Coast always reminded Chris of Ireland. Chris also loved animals and his Irish gift of gab will live on in the hearts of all those fortunate enough to know him. Chris never knew a stranger and loved engaging in conversation with those around him.

He is survived by his wife Priscilla for whom he had unwavering love and devotion. He is also survived by his daughter Laura Fitzgerald (Seattle); her two children Alex and Rachel Boudwin. His daughter Diane Bliesner (Newcastle) preceded him in death in 2020; her husband Steve and children Nick and Sarah. His daughter Carol Jongejan (Issaquah); her husband Dirk and children Mitchell and Jared. His daughter Denise Oss (Sammamish); her husband Scott and children Kaitlyn, Lindsey, Matthew and Michael.

Chris was the last of his Fitzgerald family from Dungarvan, Ireland, to pass.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Stephens the Martyr Catholic Church or the Humane Society. Erin go Bragh