Obituary of James V. Fitzgerald

James Vincent Fitzgerald, 66, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 with his loving family by his side. Jim was born on July 18, 1948 in Brooklyn, NY to Elaine and Vincent Fitzgerald. Jim married his childhood sweetheart on February 20, 1971. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, of 44 years, his daughter Megan and her husband Josh, his son James and his wife Lisa, his son Michael and his wife Stacy, and his sister Patricia Fitzgerald. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Taylor and Conor Prokopiak, James Fitzgerald, and Ashley and Ryan Fitzgerald. Jim loved nothing more than spending time with his cherished grandchildren. They were the light of his eyes and they will forever miss their dear "Pop".Jim graduated from Manhattan College in 1970 with a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked as a Standards Engineer for Potomac Electric Power Company in Washington D.C. for three years. He joined Phelps Dodge Cable and Wire Company in 1973 as an Application Engineer. From 1981, he was employed by the Okonite Company in their Application Engineering department and was the Vice President of Application Engineering. Jim was also a member of the IEEE Insulated Conductors Executive Committee for six years and Chairman in 2006 and 2007. He received the 2010 ICC Distinguished Service Award. Jim also served in both the Washington, D.C. and New York State National Guards. Jim was very involved in the North Rockland Community. He coached multiple teams in the Haverstraw Little League as well as the North Rockland Soccer Association where he served as a coach, a referee, a board member, and president. Jim was a gentle, kind man who would help anyone in need. He will be greatly missed by all of his nieces and nephews, his sisters and brothers-in-law especially his best friend, Bob, whom he considered his brother. The family will receive friends & relatives on Monday Feb. 23rd from 2 - 4 & 6:30 - 9 PM at the T J McGowan Son's Funeral Home 71 N. Central Highway Garnerville, NY. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for James on Tuesday Feb 24th at 10 AM in St. Gregory Barbarigo Church in Garnerville with interment to follow in Ascension Cemetery in Airmont, NY. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Jim's memory to the American Heart Association 255 Lafayette Ave. Suffern, NY 10901 or the American Cancer Association, Hudson Valley Chapter 121 Executive Drive New Windsor, NY 12553