John Henry Fitzgerald, formerly of Sag Harbor, died at his home in Palm Coast, Florida, on May 18. His his wife, Madeline, was by his side. He was 91.
Mr. Fitzgerald was born in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, on August 9, 1921. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Mr. Fitzgerald and his wife both had adventurous spirits and became private pilots, their family said. Mr. Fitzgerald was an air traffic controller at Kennedy Airport for 35 years. In addition, he was a pioneer in radar installations throughout the country and was recognized by the Smithsonian Institution in this field.
After raising a family in Syosset, Mr. Fitzgerald and his wife retired to Sag Harbor, where they were active members of the community for more than 30 years. Locally, his survivors said, Mr. Fitzgerald was known for his 10 years of competing in triathlons, winning for his age group in every race. They said his “quick wit and gregarious personality will be deeply missed by friends and family alike.”
In addition to his wife, Mr. Fitzgerald is survived by five sons, Jeffrey, Lawrence, Edmund, Christopher and Matthew; and two daughters, Mary and Amy. He also leaves the family dog, Winston.
on Jun 4, 2013