TORRINGTON – John (Jack) FitzGerald, of Torrington, died at the age of 94 on October 26, 2022. He was the son of the late John and Helen (Ungvarski) FitzGerald. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Marian K. FitzGerald.
Jack was a THS graduate, Class of 1947. He and Marian maintained strong friendships with their Club 47 couples for many years. Jack joined the Coast Guard right after graduating from high school and achieved the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. He was proudest to serve on the USCGS Eastwind, charting the submarine route in the Arctic Ocean used by the nuclear submarine Nautilus.
He also had the honor of being the flag bearer and marching in the Coast Guard contingent for the inauguration of Harry Truman.
He worked for over 40 years with the U.S. Post Office, retiring as postmaster in Harwinton. He was always known for his friendly manners and ready to tell a joke.
Jack was perhaps better known as “Mr. Fitz” to generations of Torrington athletes who played basketball, football or softball. He was an alumni league referee for over 30 years , coached Little League Baseball (Giants), umpired flag football, and umpired men’s and women’s softball until he was 70.
He was inducted into the Torrington High School Hall of Fame in 2020 for his contributions to community sports. In addition to his direct involvement in the games, he was an officer of the Torrington Midget Football Program and the Fuessenich Park Renovation Committee, which was instrumental in bringing the Torrington Twisters to town.
Jack is survived by his son, Mark FitzGerald, his wife Jane and his grandson John FitzGerald. He also leaves to mourn his niece Nancy Barbieri.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Brandywine Assisted Living in Litchfield for their many years of excellent care, the caregivers at Cherry Brook Healthcare for their compassionate care and the team at McLean Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friendly Hands Food Bank (fhfb.org) and the THS Athletic Fund, c/o Mike McKenna, 50 Major Besse Drive, Torrington, CT 06790.
A Christian burial mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 31 at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Harwinton. There are no calling hours. phalenfuneral.com.
