Obituary of Jean G. Fitzgerald

Jean G. Fitzgerald, 86, of Wappingers Falls, NY, and formerly of Nyack, NY, peacefully entered eternal rest on December 2,2022. Jean was born on September 20, 1936 in Nyack, NY, to Constance and Joseph Gaeta, the oldest of three daughters.

Jean graduated from Nyack High School and attended the Wood Secretarial School in New York City, where she became skilled in shorthand. After graduating, Jean worked as a secretary at Arrow Shirt Company in NYC and Grant Pulley in West Nyack before joining IBM.

She married Richard E. Fitzgerald, on June 3, 1961, at St. Ann’s Church in Nyack, NY and moved to Wappingers Falls, NY. Jean was predeceased by her loving husband, Richard, of 61 years on May 30, 2022.

Jean was a homemaker when her children were younger, active in St. Mary’s Mother Guild. She returned to the workforce as a secretary in many departments for Wappingers Central School District. She retired after working 21 years. Jean was also actively involved in the New Hackensack Home Bureau and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. She was blessed to have travelled the world, visiting her beloved Italy 5 times.

Jean was proud of her Italian heritage. She was an amazing cook, famous for her soups, meatballs, and apple pies. She was always the first to start cooking when someone was in need. Food was the answer to all that ailed. Jean hosted Thanksgiving for her family for many years, which was declared “her holiday.” Many happy memories were created on around her table. Engagements and pregnancies were announced, and weddings were planned. It was an honor to sit at the “big table.” Her children and grandchildren will forever cherish many memories with her including their annual Wildwood Crest vacation.

She will be forever remembered for love and generosity she had for her entire family, her devotion to her husband, as well as her kindness and compassion. Jean lived a full, blessed life and will be truly missed. The family is comforted knowing she is once again reunited with her beloved Richard in eternal peace.

Jean is survived by her three children, John Fitzgerald (wife Sheryl), Eileen Magnotta (husband Brian), Richard Fitzgerald Jr. (wife Theresa), sisters Constance Pepe and Betty Gaeta, as well as her brother and sisters in laws. She is also survived by six beloved grandchildren, Elizabeth and Gabrielle Picca, Megan, Alyssa and Katherine Fitzgerald and Carter Fitzgerald, three step grandchildren Brandi George, Alexa and Amanda Magnotta, one step great-grandchild Logan George and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jean’s family thanks the countless caregivers in the many facilities and agencies who have provided support throughout her illness over the years.

Family will receive friends on Friday December 9 from 2:00-5:00 pm at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 10 at St. Mary's Church, 11 Clinton Street, Wappingers Falls. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Regional Hospice at 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810 or the St Mary’s Church Food Pantry, 11 Clinton Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.

To send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.