Obituary of Robert J. Fitzgerald

Robert John Fitzgerald, "Fitz", 81 of Binghamton, New York, passed away on 9/8/2023. Bob was a cherished husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, great-grandfather, and friend. Robert was born in Binghamton, NY to Helen & Maurice Fitzgerald on March 15, 1942. From an early age, Bob was adventurous, curious, and always quick with a joke. After attending St. Patrick's Academy, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served honorably in the Navy, achieving the rank of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Leader. As part of his Naval service, he traveled the country and was based out of Pensacola, Florida and Imperial Beach, California. It was his life-long honor to serve our country along-side his Navy peers aboard the USS Bennington Aircraft Carrier and Helicopter Squadron HS-8 ("Eightballers"). He is a veteran of the Vietnam war and recipient of the Vietnam Service Metal. After his time in the Navy, Bob worked for Singer Link Aviation, Lockheed-Martin, and Health Now. After retirement, Bob, always eager to share a good story or two, took up driving his customers and soon-to-be friends to and from surrounding airports. With Bob, even the longest trip could pass in a flash. He enjoyed being a part of the American Legion, summer trips to the Jersey shore, and countless hours watching his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers. He was an avid sports fan, carving out time between Dodgers' victories to follow the fortunes of the Boston Bruins and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. Bob took great joy in his family and friends. He was always excited and happy to share in their success and, when needed, lighten difficult moments with wit and humor. He was, without a shred of doubt, a true original. Robert is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sue Fitzgerald; his son, Kevin Fitzgerald; sisters Joanne (Buddy) Allen and Maureen (John) Ellis. Sister-in-laws Barbara Reynolds and Dolores June Illsley; grandchildren, Rocco Fitzgerald, Roxy Fitzgerald, Zach Fitzgerald and Carly McDonald; great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son, Michael Fitzgerald, brother-in-law Leonard "pinky" Reynolds and sister-in-law Beverly Scott. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Madhuri Yalamanchili of Broome Oncology, Father Tim Taugher, Mercy House of the Southern Tier and all their staff for the most compassionate hospice care. Especially Father Clarence, Linda, Tess, Rita, Stacey, Jessica and of course "Father" Parker. In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation in Robert's name to Mercy House of the Southern Tier 212 N. McKinley Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Chenango Street, Hillcrest, Thursday September 14, 2023 at 10 a.m. Burial will be in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Friendsville, PA. The family will receive friends at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Thursday from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m.