Saratoga Springs, NY – Raymond A. Fitzgerald, Jr. (Beaver) passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 7, 2011, at Saratoga Hospital. He was 56.
Born October 3, 1955, in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Raymond A. and Rosemarie Rocco Fitzgerald. Affectionately known as “Beaver” to his family and friends, he was a self-employed carpenter and a jack-of-all-trades, as well as an avid fisherman and loyal friend to all who knew him. Despite the great adversity he experienced growing up in the Hawley Home and Vanderheryden Hall, he always seemed to find the silver lining of life amidst sometimes dark clouds with his quick and incisive sense of humor. “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away.” Beav, those of us who loved you lost our breath on numerous occasions, and most of those times, with laughter. For that, we will truly miss you.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his life-long partner, Michelle Bailey.
Survivors include his daughter, Meghann Fitzgerald; brothers, Francis Michael and Guy Fitzgerald; sister, Patricia Decker; grandchildren, Ray and Davonte Bardo and Chance Fitzgerald; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family wishes to give thanks to the compassionate nurses at Saratoga Hospital ICU, especially Doreen, Kelly and Tasha for their excellent care during this difficult time.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday, December 10, 2011, in the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, (518) 584-5373.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
