HORNELL-Gerald M. “Jerry” FitzGerald, 88, of 90 ½ Elm St., Hornell, died early Sunday morning (November 27, 2016) at the Bath VA Hospital following a long illness.
A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born February 6, 1928 and was the son of Michael & Johanna (Schreck) FitzGerald.
Jerry attended St. Ann’s School and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1946). He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1946 – 1948. While in the Army, he was stationed in Korea (prior to the Korean Conflict).
He was employed for about 20 years as a welder at Foster-Wheeler Corporation in Dansville, retiring in 1986. Following his “retirement” Jerry worked as a welder at Morrison-Knudsen (M-K) in Hornell for about 2 years. For many years, he served as a “jack of all trades” at the Hornell Knights of Columbus and was in charge of many functions of the club, including basic maintenance, setting up for parties and ordering supplies such as food and bar products. He kept the K of C running like a well oiled machine!
Jerry was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where he served as an usher for many years. He was a member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH).
He was preceded in death by 6 sisters, Josephine FitzGerald, Mary Grieve, Alice Scott, Catherine “Cate” FitzGerald, Virginia FitzGerald and Eleanor FitzGerald; 2 brothers, Maurice FitzGerald and Francis FitzGerald.
Jerry was married on April 26, 1958 to the former Josephine Piano who survives. Also surviving are 1 son, Michael (Donna) FitzGerald of Walthan, MA; 1 daughter, Susan (Jose) Cruzado of Hornell; 3 grandchildren, Anderson Cruzado, Leidy Cruzado and Francy Cruzado; several nieces, nephews & cousins.
At Jerry’s request there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Jerry’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843.
In recognition of Jerry’s service to his country as a member of the US Army, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.
To leave an online condolence or print a memorial form. visit the Dagon Funeral Home.
