PORT LEYDEN, NY — Royce M. Fitzgerald Sr., 88, affectionately known as “Pete”, passed away Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, at Lewis County General Hospital where he had been a patient since Nov. 19. Like the song he wrote stated, Pete went on his journey to meet his wife. He was met at heaven’s gate by Irene and their Heavenly Father.
Pete was born Aug. 13, 1931. He was the son of Kenneth L. & Margaret Rocker Fitzgerald. Kenneth passed away in 1937 and Margaret passed away in 1934. Pete was raised by his grandmother and several of his aunts and uncles.
On Sept. 8, 1951, Pete married the love of his life, Irene Mooney Fitzgerald in Port Leyden at the First Congregational Church. Irene passed away in September 2012 after a long illness with Alzheimer’s. Pete was with her every single day holding her hand and staying true to his marriage vows.
Pete held various jobs and retired from the Town of Lyonsdale Highway Department after many years. Pete loved to play guitar and wrote many songs. He loved his church, his family, and most importantly Pete loved the Lord. Pete loved to fly and spent numerous hours at the Boonville airport riding alongside of his friends. Pete was known to everyone that met him as Grandpa Pete…he was loved, cherished, appreciated, and will be greatly missed.
Pete accepted Jesus as his personal savior on Feb. 25, 1969, and that day changed his life forever. He sang of his love for the Lord and he wrote songs which he sang all over the county.
Pete is survived by his sons, Royce Jr. and his wife Brenda of Port Leyden, and Kevin and his companion Rea, of Elmira. Grandchildren, Royce III & Sharon Fitzgerald of Douglas, MA, Denielle & Beau Bailey of Lyons Falls, Ryan Hope Fitzgerald of Glenfield, Kevin Jr. of Lyons Falls, Shawn of Rome, and Beth of Rome. He is also survived by four great grandchildren, Grace & Samuel Bailey of Lyons Falls, Royce IV of Massachusetts, Casey Griffith of Boonville, and all those who knew him as Grandpa Pete.
He was predeceased by his wife Irene, his parents Kenneth and Margaret Fitzgerald, his father and mother-in-law, Frank and Ada Mooney, his brothers, Duane and Kenneth Fitzgerald; sisters and brothers in law, Gladys Galarneau, Almeta Szewczyk, Francis, Foster, Theodore, Clayton, Stanley and Marshall Mooney. He was also predeceased by his “adopted granddaughter” Jessica Cooper.
Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, at the Calvary Bible Church, with Pastor and Dear Friend, James B. Jenkins officiating. Spring burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery.
Calling hours will be 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, at the Sundquist Funeral Home and at church Monday morning, Dec. 9, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
Memorials in Pete’s name may be made to: Calvary Bible Church, 6968 Sweeney Road, Greig, NY 13345.
Messages of sympathy may be shared at www.sundquistfh.com