Obituary: Thomas P. Fitzgerald, 80

NAUGATUCK - Thomas P. Fitzgerald, 80, died at his home on Saturday, June 16, 2012.

Thomas was born at home on Hamilton Avenue in Waterbury on June 11, 1932.  Thomas was the oldest of the seven children of the late Thomas F. and Elizabeth (Clancy) Fitzgerald.  He shared fifty-two years of marriage with his wife, Joyce (Walker) Fitzgerald, before her death in 2008.

Thomas attended Waterbury schools before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1952.  He served his country with honor aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Hale during the Korean Conflict.  He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, China Service Medal, and in 2010, the Connecticut Wartime Veterans Service Medal.  Upon his discharge in 1956, he returned to Waterbury and began a 35-year career with Connecticut Light and Power.

He embodied his faith as a devoted father and grandfather always providing for his family.  He was also loyal and devoted to his many friends.  He earned the highest respect of everyone who had the privilege to know him.  His happiest times were those he shared with his family and friends.

He leaves to honor his memory his children: Thomas (Janis), Janet (Dave Fonzi), Debra (James) Healy, and his youngest daughter and devoted caregiver, Kathleen.  He also leaves behind to cherish his memory, his adorning but broken-hearted grandchildren: James, Dane, Caitlin, Brittany, Clancy, Rory, Sullivan, Roisin, Callahan, Colleena, Chelsey, and Nick; great-grandchildren, Leira, Patrick, and Liam.  He is survived by his brother, Edward, sisters, Elizabeth, Ann, Mary, and Catherine; as well as many relatives in the U.S. and Ireland.  He was predeceased by his brother, Jack.

Thomas will be laid to rest along with his wife Joyce at a private graveside service with full military honors.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be sent to an educational charity established by his grandchildren at the Fitzgerald Healy Foundation, P.O. Box 844, Naugatuck, CT 06770 or athealyfoundation.org.  To send an on-line condolence, please visitwww.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.

To live is to love, boy did he live!