Robert W. Fitzgerald

Robert William Fitzgerald, 85, of Braintree, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, January 6, 2025, after courageously battling medical ailments for the last 25 years.  

Born in Quincy, Mass; Bob graduated from Weymouth High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force as an Air Force police officer. Following his service, he pursued higher education and earned an associate degree from Newbury College. He proudly worked as a union printer for many years, even though he always joked he did not know what he was doing. 

Bob was a complex man, known for his stubbornness and sharp tongue. He learned to grow as an individual, as a father, a brother, and grandfather, eventually rebuilding those bonds into something stronger with the help of Parents For Partners and their amazing members. He developed a special closeness with his daughters, even spending half the year living with Christine and her wife Kristen in Brandon, Florida. 

Before the decline of his health, Bob took every opportunity to get in his RV and travel the country, living his life to the fullest enjoying peace in nature. His time with the RV brought him happiness that came with many stories he enjoyed telling. 

As the last patriarch of his family, Bob joins his siblings, Joe, John, Maureen, Dan, and Brian in spirit. They are all missed. He is survived by his sister in laws Anne Walters of Abington, and Brigette Fitzgerald of Saltlake City Utah. 

Bob is survived by his children, who brought him both joy and exasperation in equal measure: Lisa and the late Larry Pawlik of Weymouth, MA; Peter Fitzgerald and wife Janice of Lewiston Maine; Scott Fitzgerald and wife AnnaMarie of Brockton, MA; James Fitzgerald of Brockton, MA; Christine Fitzgerald and wife Kristen of Brandon, FL; and Patricia Petitti and husband Mark of Braintree, MA. He also leaves behind six grandchildren and five great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and friends who came to know him as a fighter with a tender side hidden beneath his gruff exterior. 

While his life was marked by challenges and contradictions, Bob will be remembered for his resilience, his unyielding spirit, and his journey toward connection and redemption in his later years. 

A celebration of life will be held at his home, 62 Trefton Drive, Braintree MA on January 18, 2025, from 4-8pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, honoring his memory and his strength in the face of adversity. 

The next time you have peppermint patties, think of him. 

Rest in peace, Bob. You fought the good fight.