Obituary for Thomas R. Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald, Thomas Robert "Tom" of Cortlandt Manor, NY (formerly of Shrub Oak) passed away on May 15, 2020 from Covid-19. He was 74 years old. Tom was born on September 23, 1945 to parents Emily Nyahay and Joseph Fitzgerald. He was raised in Yonkers on Hawthorne Avenue.
Tom attended Saunders Trades and Technical High School and graduated in 1963. Immediately after, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served proudly. He was a Radio Controller for his unit in the Vietnam War. Upon returning in 1968 , he drove a taxi cab for Valentine Cab Service in South Yonkers for many years. He eventually decided to study to become a Plumber under the Veterans School Aid Bill. He achieved the title of Master Plumber after an intensive 4 year apprenticeship. Once licensed, he operated TAP (Tom and Patty Heating & Plumbing) with his brother, James P. Fitzgerald (Patty). It was a successful business and was not just a job, but a true passion.
Tom enjoyed fishing and frequently brought his daughters to Lake Gleneida in Carmel. He was also always eager to drive up to Lake George to spend time at his mother's second home. He loved the Bee Gees, cowboy boots, hunting and watching wrestling. Tom had excellent carpentry skills which he used to rebuild his home in Shrub Oak. Chess was also something he enjoyed, both with his daughter Jody and friends. Tom made friends wherever he went; his feistiness appealed to people. He had a kind heart and warm smile, always curious about the world.
Tom was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph F. Fitzgerald (Timmy) and John Fitzgerald. He is survived by his brother James P. Fitzgerald (Patty). He is also survived by his two daughters. Christine Terrien of Newburyport, MA and her husband Patrick Terrien and Jody Fitzgerld Mathias of Putnam Valley, NY and her husband Fernando Mathias. Tom leaves behind many nieces and nephews: Deborah Fitzgerald-Cuoco, Jamie Fitzgerald, Johnny Zacchio, Laura (Fitzgerald) Rodriguez, Lisa Fitzgerald, Michael Fitzgerald, Natalie Fitzgerald and Patricia (Fitzgerald) White.
He was a loving father and grandfather. Grandchildren include Luke Terrien, Cole Terrien and Valentina Mathias. Chronic illness prevented him from attending several milestone celebrations for his grandchildren and daughters over the years, but his desire to be there was always felt.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation in Tom's name to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or an animal shelter of your choice. He battled MS for decades. He also found much comfort in animals over the years. Either donation would be representative of and honor his life. Private services will be held at this time. Memorial mass to be arranged at a later date for all family members and friends to attend.
Tom attended Saunders Trades and Technical High School and graduated in 1963. Immediately after, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served proudly. He was a Radio Controller for his unit in the Vietnam War. Upon returning in 1968 , he drove a taxi cab for Valentine Cab Service in South Yonkers for many years. He eventually decided to study to become a Plumber under the Veterans School Aid Bill. He achieved the title of Master Plumber after an intensive 4 year apprenticeship. Once licensed, he operated TAP (Tom and Patty Heating & Plumbing) with his brother, James P. Fitzgerald (Patty). It was a successful business and was not just a job, but a true passion.
Tom enjoyed fishing and frequently brought his daughters to Lake Gleneida in Carmel. He was also always eager to drive up to Lake George to spend time at his mother's second home. He loved the Bee Gees, cowboy boots, hunting and watching wrestling. Tom had excellent carpentry skills which he used to rebuild his home in Shrub Oak. Chess was also something he enjoyed, both with his daughter Jody and friends. Tom made friends wherever he went; his feistiness appealed to people. He had a kind heart and warm smile, always curious about the world.
Tom was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph F. Fitzgerald (Timmy) and John Fitzgerald. He is survived by his brother James P. Fitzgerald (Patty). He is also survived by his two daughters. Christine Terrien of Newburyport, MA and her husband Patrick Terrien and Jody Fitzgerld Mathias of Putnam Valley, NY and her husband Fernando Mathias. Tom leaves behind many nieces and nephews: Deborah Fitzgerald-Cuoco, Jamie Fitzgerald, Johnny Zacchio, Laura (Fitzgerald) Rodriguez, Lisa Fitzgerald, Michael Fitzgerald, Natalie Fitzgerald and Patricia (Fitzgerald) White.
He was a loving father and grandfather. Grandchildren include Luke Terrien, Cole Terrien and Valentina Mathias. Chronic illness prevented him from attending several milestone celebrations for his grandchildren and daughters over the years, but his desire to be there was always felt.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation in Tom's name to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or an animal shelter of your choice. He battled MS for decades. He also found much comfort in animals over the years. Either donation would be representative of and honor his life. Private services will be held at this time. Memorial mass to be arranged at a later date for all family members and friends to attend.