Thomas J. Fitzgerald

*THERE WILL BE AN IRISH PARTY IN MEMORY OF TOM
OCTOBER 4TH, 2015 12PM-3PM
SAUGERTIES PERFORMING ARTS FACTORY
169 ULSTER AVENUE, SAUGERTIES
RSVP TO KATIE KTFITZ2@YAHOO.COM


Thomas J. Fitzgerald, Jr., 62, of Kingston passed away peacefully in his own bed on August 1, 2015 surrounded by loving family and friends. Tom was born on June 16, 1953 to the late Thomas J. and Maureen M. Fitzgerald and grew up as the 5th of 11 children. Tom spent his early childhood in Brooklyn, NY and his teen years in Clifton Park, NY. Tom graduated from Shenendahowa High School and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland.

In 1978, Tom enlisted in the US Air Force and worked as both a translator and analyst while stationed in Greece and later Ft. Meade, MD. In 1986, after 8 years he was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Through the 1990's Tom worked at Novadigm in Mahwah, NJ alongside his father, several brothers, a sister and a nephew.

In the early 2000's Tom began taking care of his aging parents full time. For over a decade Tom dedicated his life to providing support that enabled his parents to enjoy their golden years. Tom was a constant companion to them in both in quiet times between visits by their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as during holidays and events. After his mother passed away in 2012. Tom's company was a real comfort to his father and his steadfast devotion made the last few years of his father's life easier and more enjoyable.

Tom's life was characterized by a love of learning. He loved to tell stories how as a young kid in Brooklyn he would hop on the subway to go to the Brooklyn Museum or the time he snuck into the World's Fair in Queens. He was extraordinarily well read, spoke numerous languages (Hebrew being a favorite) and could speak intelligently on any topic whether it be history, science, politics or his love of his Amazin' Mets.

Tom was particularly passionate about Irish history, language and culture and was very active in the Irish heritage community in the Hudson Valley. Tom was one of the founders of the Hooley on The Hudson, as well as a member of the Kevin Barry Club, where he held various offices including President. In 2010, with the Kevin Barry Club, Tom organized a concert by the well-known, traditional Irish musicians, the Clancy Legacy at the Ulster Performing Arts Center.

Tom was a natural storyteller who was never at a loss for words and had a humorous and interesting anecdote for any occasion. He loved telling stories about his Irish grandparents, growing up in Brooklyn and, to the delight of his nieces and nephews, stories about his siblings in their "wild" youth. Tom combined his love of storytelling and Irish culture when he wrote "Katty: Stories From Modeligo". Katty is an exploration early of 20th Century Ireland drawing on the Irish oral tradition, specifically the stories told by Tom's Grandmother, Katherine Hickey Butler who lived through the period. Tom brought century-old stories to life in the traditional Irish style with helpful exposition along the way.

The thing that Tom was most proud of was his daughter Katie. From the time she was a small girl he loved to take her places and tell her incredible stories about the family, the world and history. When she was older one call or visit from her would make him incredibly happy for days. He was so proud when she graduated from college, when she first started teaching and then again when she told him she was going to be teaching in China. How appropriate that someone like Tom who loved to travel the world, loved history and culture would have a daughter teaching at the International School of Beijing.

Late in 2013, Tom was diagnosed with advanced cancer. Rather than becoming despondent, Tom seemed to gain an even larger love for life and learning and adventure. In the last 18 months of his life

Tom had a chance to take two incredible journeys. Through sheer willpower, he found the strength to visit his daughter Katie in China and visit Beijing with her as his guide. When he returned from the trip he was glowing, from the time he had spent with her and the sights they had seen together. After returning he faced more chemotherapy but he mustered his strength one last time to visit Ireland. He studied it, had written about it, spoke about it and knew more about it than anyone - but had never been there. With the generous support of many friends, family, and even his nurses and doctors and with the loving help of his nephew Andrew to accompany him, he finally went to Ireland. He visited the place of his mother's birth, saw his grandfather's castle and had the opportunity to see where his Grandmother "Katty" lived. All the stories and places he had written about suddenly became real. He also got a chance to travel to Dublin and see all the places that he had read about for years and immerse himself in Irish history, the rebellion and Easter Sunday. He returned with incredible stories about the places he had seen, the people he had met and a renewed love for all things Irish.

In his final days and weeks, Tom spent an incredible amount of time with family and friends, never complaining and always smiling. He was very popular at the Oncology wing at Kingston Hospital whose amazing staff loved him and was loved by him. Tom's nephew, James, along with his wife Elspeth, opened their home to him and provided an incredible place for him to stay, encouraging a steady stream of visitors. Shortly before he died, Tom had real concerns about how he was going to see all of his loved ones and friends to say goodbye. A sign of a life well lived.

Tom Fitzgerald had an immeasurable impact on those around him and his death will be deeply mourned by everyone who knew him. Tom is survived by his daughter Katie, the person he loved most in the world and his favorite topic of conversation.

The wake will be held at Keyser Funeral Home (326 Albany Ave, Kingston) on Tuesday, August 11th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will held at 11am Wednesday, August 12th at St. Peter's Catholic Church (Wurts St, Kingston).