Donald William Fitzgerald, Sr. (“Poppy,” “Cricket,” “Dexter”, and “Top Dog”), age 96, of Beacon Falls, entered into rest on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Waterbury Hospital. Donald was born in Shelton on April 6, 1930, son of the late John Francis and Mary Agnes Fitzgerald, and lived most of his life in Shelton before relocating to Beacon Falls.
He graduated from Quinnipiac University in 1953 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and enjoyed a long career as an audit officer with the former Savings Bank Retirement System in New York City before his retirement in 1991. Donald was an avid golfer and enjoyed gardening and bowling. He was a dedicated member of the St. Michael Church community in Beacon Falls.
Donald lived with remarkable strength, determination, and perseverance, always finding a way to keep moving forward no matter what life placed in front of him. His resilience, positive spirit, and unwavering will to live were an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. Even at 96 years old, he continued to embrace life with independence and purpose, remaining active and driving until his final day.
He is the beloved father of Mary Fitzgerald, Roy Fitzgerald and his wife Regina, Donald Fitzgerald Jr. and his wife Charlene, Kathleen Shea, and Darryl Fitzgerald and his wife Heather. He loved spending time with his six cherished grandchildren, Roy Jr. (Sabrina), Christopher, Camron, Paxton, Kayla, and Emily (Justin), and his two great-grandchildren, Roy Patrick and Samuel. He was also survived by many nieces and nephews. Donald was the last of six brothers; he was predeceased by Edward, Francis, Jack, Rev. Msgr. Joseph, and William Fitzgerald.
Friends may greet the family at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, Shelton, CT, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 4 to 7 PM. On Thursday, friends are invited to his Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM directly at St. Michael Church, 25 Maple Ave., Beacon Falls.
Memorial contributions are encouraged to St. Michael Church, 25 Maple Ave., Beacon Falls, CT 06403.