Obituary of Richard J. Fitzgerald

Richard J. Fitzgerald South Plainfield - Richard J. Fitzgerald, 85, passed away on Saturday morning with his wife at his side in Scotch Plains . Born and raised in Brooklyn, Richard had resided in Scotch Plains prior to settling to South Plainfield some 40 years ago. He was one of the original homeowners in his development. He served in the United States Navy during WWII from 1943 - 1946 aboard a destroyer in various campaigns throughout the Pacific. Employed initially as an electrician, Richard quickly rose through the ranks of the Electrical Union in NYC. He later become the Vice President of the Broadway Maintenance in New York City where he worked on various large projects including the building of the World Trade Centers prior to his retirement. Being handy and very intelligent, Richard enjoyed being a Ham Radio Operator and his call letters were WB2MIT. He also enjoyed spending time restoring cars, playing the organ and was a member of Sacred Heart RC Church in South Plainfield and the NRA. He is predeceased by his sisters, Dorothy Leviness and Helen Lemyre. Surviving are his wife, Rita ( Halloran ), his brother, John, several nieces and nephews and a large step family consisting of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 11:30 AM in the McCriskin - Gustafson Home For Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ, Entombment will follow in St. Gertrude's Good Shepherd Chapel Mausoleum, Colonia, NJ. Family and friends may attend the visitation on Wednesday from 10:30 AM until the time of the service at 11:30 AM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, www.DAV.org.