Edward James Fitzgerald Jr.

Edward J. Fitzgerald, Jr.
1930 - 2022
Edward James Fitzgerald, Jr., 92, was called safely home on Tuesday July 12, 2022, at Heritage Hall in Agawam, MA. He was born in the Willimansett section of Chicopee on March 5, 1930, the son of the late Beatrice M. (Terrien) and Edward James Fitzgerald, Sr. Ed was educated in the Chicopee public schools and was a graduate of Chicopee High School. Upon his graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1953, having attained the rank of Sergeant and earning the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Korean Service Medal with one bronze star, and the United Nations Korea Service Medal. After separating from service, Ed completed his education at Bryant University and graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, and was licensed to practice in Massachusetts as a Certified Public Accountant in 1960. After working for George Hitchcock & Company and KPMG Peat Marwick for several years, Ed opened his own CPA firm in downtown Chicopee, which eventually grew to become the firm of Downey, Pieciak, Fitzgerald & Co., P.C. Ed was very active in the local community, and was a member of the Chicopee Planning Board, a member of Rotary International, and a charter member of the Agawam Rotary Club. He was also a member of the Chicopee Elks Lodge 1849. Ed was an avid golfer, and was a longtime member and Treasurer of the Springfield Country Club, and in June of 2008, he shot a hole-in-one on the second hole there. Ed was also a longtime Trustee of the former Chicopee Savings Bank and a parishioner of the former St. Mary’s Church in Willimansett. Edward was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Geraldine M. Fitzgerald. He leaves behind to honor his memory his loving wife, Joan Gray Fitzgerald, his two sons, Michael E. Fitzgerald, Gary G. Fitzgerald and his wife, Cheryl, his grandson, Patrick M. Fitzgerald, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Brunelle Funeral Home, 811 Chicopee Street, Chicopee, MA 01013, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 56 St. Anthony Street, Chicopee. Immediately following, the Rite of Committal and Burial with Military Honors will be in St. Rose de Lima Cemetery, Chicopee. Donations in Ed’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Home Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or online at act.alz.org. To leave an online expression of sympathy for the family, please visit www.brunellefuneralhome.com