John Patrick Fitzgerald, 59, of Concord, died at home on September 22, 2023, following a courageous battle with colorectal cancer.
John was born in Attleboro on January 21, 1964. He happily spent his childhood growing up in Rangeley, Maine.
While working on his master’s at Boston College, he met his wife and soul mate, Maria (McNamara). They settled in Concord in 1994 to raise their family, and shared 29 years of marriage.
He was an Environmental Geologist, consulting for numerous companies including Haley & Aldrich and most recently KOMAN Government Solutions.
His passion for the outdoors and history never wavered. He found special connections with Walden Pond and the writings of Henry David Thoreau. He cherished daily walks through Walden Woods with his beloved yellow Labrador, Sadie. John passed along his love of nature to both of his children, who enjoyed several camping, fishing and hunting adventures with him.
Those who knew John will always remember his meticulous restorations of wooden canoes. He had a keen eye for detail on countless woodworking and craft projects over the years. He was a proud member of the Norumbega Chapter of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association and a past board member of the association.
In addition to his wife, Maria, he will be forever missed by his two children, Brendan and Erin Fitzgerald of Concord, his mother, Suzanne (Gagner) Fitzgerald of Rangeley, ME, two brothers, Michael Fitzgerald of Scarborough, ME and Daniel (Kelly Byfield) Fitzgerald of Hillsborough, NH, three nephews, Chris Fitzgerald, Sean Fitzgerald and Noah Rigby, his two nieces, Caitlin Rigby and Delaney (Zach) Ordway, and great niece Claire Ordway along with the family pets, Sadie, Mister and Finlay. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph Edward Fitzgerald.
Family and friends are invited to visiting hours at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center on Thursday, September 28th from 4 to 8 pm. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 29th at 10 am in St. Bernard’s Church at Holy Family Parish, Monument Square, Concord Center. Burial will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to Wooden Canoe Heritage Association or Dr. Anuj Patel’s Research Fund at Dana Farber Cancer Institute (links available on Dee Funeral Home website).
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. For his full obituary and online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
