Obituary of Richard J. Fitzgerald

North Creek: Richard J. “Dick” Fitzgerald, 83, of Cole Road, passed away, Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Albany Medical Center. Dick was born December 22, 1926 in North Creek, he was the sixth of ten children born to Elizabeth (Little) and Andrew Barron Fitzgerald, M.D. Dick attended North Creek High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy on February 16, 1944, at the age of 18. He reported for duty aboard the Lawrence C. Taylor during May of 1944. The U.S.S Taylor, a carrier escort ship, operated with the Pacific’s Fifth Fleet Amphibious Operations, securing several Japanese held islands. With completion of those efforts, the ship supported special operations of the Third Fleet’s air strikes against the Japanese homeland until the war’s end. Dick was decorated with many medals for valor including numerous Bronze Stars. Following his honorable discharge from the military in 1946, Dick attended The School of Visual Arts in New York City, where he studied art and design. While still attending school, Dick married Ora Joan Kane in her hometown of Woodmere on August 14, 1949. Their family grew rapidly, with the births of their five children. Completing design studies, Dick took a position with the G.E. Corporation in Schenectady for a brief period in 1950. He later left G.E. to become a graphic designer for the N.Y.S.D.P.W. in January of 1951. In 1955 he continued his progression in the design field, working for the I.B.M Corp. in Poughkeepsie. In 1963, after serving as a graphic designer at various locations with I.B.M., he was assigned to manage all design and photography activities for the East Fishkill Facility until his retirement in June 1985. Upon retiring, he and his wife, Ora relocated from their home in Red Oaks Mill, to reside full time at their vacation home in North Creek. Being avid golfers, they enjoyed vacationing in Myrtle Beach, SC and Florida during the winter months. In earlier years, along with golf, Dick also enjoyed skiing and hunting. Besides his parents, his three brothers; Barron, Jack, Desmond Fitzgerald; and his sister, Joan Thackrah have all predeceased him. Other than his beloved wife, Ora Fitzgerald of 61 years, Dick leaves behind his daughters, Pamela Anne Fitzgerald of Fort Myers, FL; Susan Joan Loedy and her husband, Edmond of Poughkeepsie; sons: Richard Joseph Fitzgerald, Jr. and his wife, LiChu of Utah; Charles John Fitzgerald and his wife, Deborah of Meridith, NH; Mark Thomas Fitzgerald of Poughkeepsie; two grandchildren: Paige Clement and her husband, Glenn of Luling, LA and Casandra Kiesler of Hudson Falls; along with his great-grandchildren: Garrett and Bryce Clement of Luling, LA.; his sisters, Carol Dirolf, Mary and Maureen Fitzgerald all of Plattsburgh; brother, Thomas Fitzgerald of Maine; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call on Dick’s family from 3 to 5 pm, Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be conducted 5:00 pm Wednesday, following the visitation at the funeral home. At the convenience of the family, burial with full military honors will be held at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions.