Oliver Patrick Fitzgerald of Harrington Park, New Jersey passed away surrounded by family on February 24, 2025. He was 87 years old. Born in Ventry, Ireland he was the son of the late Patrick and Ellen Fitzgerald, brother to Ned Fitzgerald (late), Maive (late), Peg (late), Kathleen (late) and Siobhan. Oliver was raised as a farmer tending soil, herding cattle, and building anything needed with limited resources and equipment in order to provide food and shelter for his family. At the age of 19, Oliver immigrated to the United States where he faced limited employment opportunities, so he enlisted with the US Army to expedite a pathway to citizenship. During this time, Oliver met his future brother-in-law (and another Irishman), Daniel Clavin who soon became his best friend. Dan just happened to know a nice Irish woman named Rosaleen and thought it would be a great idea to introduce them. On April 11, 1964 Oliver married the love of his life and as he said the rest is history.
Oliver and Rosaleen spent most of their lives raising their five children in Harrington Park, NJ. He worked for FINK Baking Company in NYC for the better part of 35 years. For years, he worked nights leaving his house every night at 1 AM no matter the weather. He would then come home where most afternoons he was a devoted coach for the Harrington Park Soccer Team. He spent many years teaching players not just about the skills of soccer, but also about the importance of working hard and providing your best effort and mindset both on and off the field. His home was open to anyone who wanted to enter, shown by the snacks he kept in the garage fridge, the makeshift wiffle ball field in the backyard, and an above ground swimming pool for kids to stay cool during the summer months. Oliver also created a workshop in his garage where neighbors would always notice him working on various projects or repairs. Upon retirement, Ollie became a full time grandfather spending much of his time with his 14 grandchildren watching cartoons, eating ice cream, napping in the sun or reading books. On occasion, he was known to sneak a grandkid or two out of daycare to spend extra time with them under a strict “don’t tell” policy. Every one of his 14 grandchildren had a second father with him and he will never be forgotten.
Oliver raised his family with Irish and Catholic roots, where the best holidays are Christmas, Good Friday, Easter and of course St. Patrick’s Day – the only day where his children were allowed to take off from school. He volunteered at his local church (Our Lady of Victories) performing upkeep and partnering with the great Sister Elizabeth Holler to provide / deliver food donations to those in need during the holiday times.
Oliver was not a man of many words but when he did speak, it was with wisdom and value. When he spoke, all would listen for we felt we would be better learning from what he had to say. He was also a man of great resilience and strength, even with his physical limitations which placed all sorts of challenges in front of him on a daily basis. But he still persevered and adapted as his goal was not to put anyone out of their way providing him with assistance. He was quite a simple and humble man who never wanted any recognition or praise for anything he did. Ollie said that when he passed we should “not make a fuss” over him. Well too bad dad, you will be praised and recognized for the legacy you have left behind because you were a man of great worth. May you now rest and let heaven care for you, and may God hold you gently in the palm of His hand – You Will Never Walk Alone.
Oliver was predeceased by his wife Rosaleen and is survived by his five children, Catherine Fitzgerald (Kevin Tobias), Geraldine Buratti (Paul Buratti), John Fitzgerald (Alicia Fitzgerald), Brian Fitzgerald (Laura Fitzgerald), Deirdre Fitzgerald (Gregg Fein); his 14 Grandchildren – Pamela Decker, Jacqueline Cid-Paz, Michael Longobardi, Katie Buratti, Nico Longobardi, Enrico Longobardi, Paul Oliver Buratti, John Fitzgerald, Megan Fliegel, Lucas Buratti, Jenna Fitzgerald, Kenneth Fliegel, Matthew Fitzgerald and Samantha Fitzgerald; and his 3 Great Grandchildren – Cecilia Decker, Jolene Decker & Luciana Cid-Paz and 2 more babies on the way (Nico and Jacqueline). He also leaves behind his sister Siobhan Cussen (who he remained close to until the end) and his in-laws, Kathleen and Daniel Clavin, Maura and John Murray, Margaret and (late) Frank Riina, plus many cherished nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 4-7pm at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. Mass will be offered on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 10am at Our Lady of Victories Church in Harrington Park, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association https://www.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com
