Captain Joseph E. Fitzgerald, 87, of Brooklyn, New York, after a long illness, peacefully passed away on Sunday July 30th, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Joseph Fitzgerald was born on August 5th, 1935 to Captain Edward and Genevieve Fitzgerald in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.  Joe Fitzgerald proudly served his country in the United States Navy and then as a Sergeant in The United States Marine Corps.  He was a proud member of The Marine Corps League and The Catholic War Veterans, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapter and The Commodore Barry Club.

When his military world travels led him back home to Brooklyn, Joe married his sweetheart Eileen and followed his family's rich maritime legacy by becoming a Tugboat Captain.  While putting his four children through school, he was inspired to return to school himself and received his degree in Labor Studies at Empire College of New York State. Joe Fitz was a proud Union Man and served many years as the union delegate for Local 333 Marine Division. He spent the rest of his maritime career proudly showing off the NYC Harbor and Lady Liberty as a Circle Line Ferryboat Captain.

Joe Fitz was also a passionate artist, photographer, calligrapher and best "last minute project" maker.  He was a naturalist at heart and greatly appreciated the natural landscapes of his family home in Rhode Island, Peach Lake NY, and the rolling hills of Ireland. Joe Fitz deeply loved the sea and retirement could not keep him from it. He was often found kayaking or sailing out from the Miramar Yacht Club.

In noting his appreciation of nature, it must be noted he was also a force of nature himself.  He was always ready to help everyone and anyone at any time. He had a natural knack for connecting people who could in turn help each other all while making life-long friendships.

Faith and Family were the core of Joe's life.   He was a devout Catholic and had a deep devotion to The Divine Mercy. His family meant everything to him.  Joseph is predeceased by his infant daughter Anne. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Eileen (Scanlon) and his beloved children, John (Yesenia) Fitzgerald, Kevin (Jennifer) Fitzgerald, Kathleen Conlon (Jack Nielsen), and Patrick (CaryAnne) Fitzgerald. "Pop, Joe Fitz, JoeJoe, Joe the Poppy'' deeply loved his grandchildren: Maeve and Michael Conlon, Caitlin and James Fitzgerald, Yeriemy and Jazleen Fitzgerald, and Jill Fitzgerald.

Captain Joseph Edward Fitzgerald loved and was loved.  May God hold him in the hollow of His hand.


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Visitation
Wednesday (8/2)  2-4 PM  and  7-9  PM

Clavin Funeral Home
7722 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11209
Complimentary Valet Parking Available


Funeral Mass
Thursday (8/3) 10:30 AM

Saint Ephrem Roman Catholic Church
929 Bay Ridge Parkway
Brooklyn, New York 11228


Crematory
Green-Wood Crematory
500 25th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11232