Obituary of Richard J Fitzgerald

Captain Richard James Fitzgerald ( Fitz ) 80 of Vineland N.J.passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on March 19,2015 . He fought a brave and difficult battle with Cancer. Dick was born in 1934 in Manhattan, New York. Richard was a member of the United States Army. Dick was Captain on the Vineland Police Department and a member of the police department from 19551980. After his retirement, he was the Security Supervisor at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino from 19801981. Richard was also a Professor at Cumberland County College from 19812001 where he was the coordinator of the Criminal Justice Program. He was loved by his students who came to visit him long after they graduated. From 19802000 Dick was selfemployed writing grants for the city of Vineland, Wildwood, and Cape May Housing Authorities. Rich attended St. Ann’s Academy in New York. His secondary education included attending Training from Northwestern University in Evanston Ill for a Certificate in in Police and Traffic Training in 19701972 he received his Associate’s Degree from Cumberland County College in Criminal Justice. 19721974he received his Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Glassboro State College in Criminal Justice. Richard earned his Masters of Arts Degree from Glassboro State College in Student Personnel Services in 1975. Richard was past president of the PBA. President of Sacred Heart’s PTA and recipient of the Liberty Bell Award. He was also honored by the Sierra Club. Richard loved spending his spare time with his family and watching old westerns on T.V. He loved his early morning coffee sessions with his “Crew”. Dick also enjoyed his trips to Disney in Florida. Dick was predeceased by his parents William and Margaret ( Boyle) Fitzgerald his brothers William and Martin and his son Michael Brian Fitzgerald. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Pat ( Dechen) Fitzgerald. His 3 daughters Patty Fitzgerald Hennessy, Karen Rowan ( George) and Colleen Fitzgerald. His beloved grandchildren Michael ( Anna) Hennessy, Eryn ( Kacper) Hennessy, Brian Rowan, Eric Hennessy, Mark Rowan, Jeff Rowan, Jessica Panno, Patrick Hennessy and Shannon Hennessy. He is survived by “ his best friends” his great granddaughters Gianna Faith and Teagan Lilly who were the light of his day. Brother Tom ( Jan) Fitzgerald of Wildwood N.J.and Sister in law’s Ann Fitzgerald of Red Bank N.J. Linda Dechen of Hammonton and Kay Dechen of Vineland N.J. Millie Dechen of Clearwater Florida. He is also survived by many neices and nephews. Especially, Scott Dechen who he was a father figure to. Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Cancer Center for Children