James P Fitzgerald

With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of "Pat" James Patrick Fitzgerald, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, firefighter, and veteran, who passed away on January 28, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 81 years old.

Born on June 15, 1943, to Emily Nyahay and Joseph Fitzgerald, Pat was raised in Yonkers, NY, on Hawthorne Avenue. He was known to love mischievous times with his brothers that he laughed about often. Fun fact: as a child, he did enjoy playing a flute.

A proud graduate of Saunders Trades & Technical High School, Pat studied machinist courses before answering the call to serve his country. From 1963 to 1968, Pat honorably served in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Lake Champlain (CVS-39), stationed at Quonset Point, RI. At the time, he and his naval crew took on the rescue mission of the Apollo Gemini capsule that they recovered from the water. His service took him to various ports, including Guantanamo Bay, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. 

After completing his military service, Pat worked alongside his younger brother Tommy at their company, Tommy and Patty Heating & Plumbing. Also as a gifted mechanic most of his life, he spent many years working for GM, Good To Go Texaco and Debbie & Dougie's Towing, always willing to lend a hand and share his mechanical expertise. He loved doing favors fixing cars for family and friends. Pat also loved classic cars.

Pat's lifelong dedication to service extended beyond the military and his trade-he was a firefighter for the City of White Plains, bravely serving at Stations 1 and 2, where he also drove the rig. He cherished the camaraderie of the firehouse, the hearty meals shared with his crew, and the stories they created together.

Pat was a true hero, receiving a Meritorious Service Award from the mayor of White Plains for his selfless and courageous act of saving a woman and child from a burning building in Yonkers while off duty-risking his own life without hesitation, without protective gear, and without a second thought.

His heroism extended beyond his own community, as he was among the firefighters who responded in the aftermath of 9/11, demonstrating unwavering bravery and commitment to others.

Pat lived a life filled with simple joys and deep passions. Though a long time resident of Elmsford he always enjoyed spending time in Yonkers with his brothers and at the marinas. He also loved old-time black and white movies, westerns, News12, History Channel, Hitchcock films, Twilight Zone, and mystery shows, always accompanied by his favorite snacks-planters nuts, chocolate bars, potato chips, and an ice-cold coke. Pat enjoyed going out to eat, bbq-ing, bringing the kids out for fun activities. Pat loved collecting antiques and his coins. He was an animal lover and adored countless pets- cats and dogs.

Pat was an extraordinary handyman who could fix just about anything and that he did. Pat loved helping anyone in need if they came to him - he had never said no to anyone that asked for his help. He would selflessly take the shirt off his own back, so to speak.

An avid outdoorsman, Pat spent countless hours gardening, hunting, fishing, and waterskiing, sharing legendary hunting stories from the Catskills and Adirondacks with his brothers and close friends.

Pat's heart belonged to the Adirondacks and Lake George, his "second home," where he vacationed with family and found peace in its waters, creating memories filled with laughter and nostalgia. He built the family home from the ground up alongside his crew of brothers, cousins, friends, and parents - they began about 1952 and completed the home in 1955 in Hague. He spent every year since visiting and having fun times with his brothers doing their boat trips all around the lake. Beyond that through the years, he brought his children to create many memories.

Pat spent much time making frequent trips to Lake George in his later years with daughters Lisa and Natalie - and wow, how they laughed and enjoyed every precious moment of each escapade.

He also enjoyed frequent visits to Lake Carmel with his parents and brothers - then had frequently taken all of his children, where he would swim and fish, embracing the beauty of nature and the serenity it brought him.

Pat was recently predeceased by his beloved son, Michael Fitzgerald, who he loved and cherished. He is also predeceased by brothers, Joseph F. "Timmy" Fitzgerald, John Fitzgerald, and Thomas "Tommy" R. Fitzgerald.

He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply: his wife of 45 years, Vera Fitzgerald; his children, Lisa, Laura (Ralfy), Natalie, Ann beloved wife of Michael, Deborah (John), Jamie (Alex), and stepson Johnny (Tina); and his cherished grandchildren, Alyssa, Jonelle, Emily, Lily, Ralfy, Melody, Johan, Matthew, Debbie, Carol, Amanda, Samantha, Johnny, and Bethany. He is also survived by nieces Patricia (Denis), Jody, and Christine (Patrick); along with many extended family members, dear friends, and his firefighter brothers.

James Pat Fitzgerald will be remembered for his courage, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. His legacy of service, heroism, and family devotion will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Rest easy, Bird. Your work here is done.