Richard Fitzgerald

Rick "Fitz" Fitzgerald, 71, of Clarks Summit, died Tuesday at home.

Born July 8, 1946, in Scranton, he was the son of the late John E. and Marie (Mulrooney) Fitzgerald. A lifelong Clarks Summit resident, he was a graduate of Abington Heights High School and, upon graduation, honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Before retirement, he was a case manager for the state Department of Welfare. He was formerly a customer service representative for Sandvik Steel. He was a faithful member of Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Clarks Summit, where he served as an usher for many years. He was also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Abington Memorial VFW Post 7069. An avid tennis player, he was a member of Birchwood Tennis and Fitness Club. A golfer, he enjoyed playing in the annual Patte's tournaments and the Lou Michaels Tournament.

Rick was a loving brother and a caring uncle. A friendly person, he was always willing to lend a helping hand to others and especially to those down on their luck. He was a fun person and would bring laughter to those around him. He was often seen on a nice day cruising in his MG. He was very fond of his dog, Junior, who he referred to as "his boy."

The family would like to extend its gratitude to all the staff of Hospice of Sacred Heart and Traditional Home Health for their loving care. His genuine smile and gentle chuckles will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Surviving are a brother, John and wife, Pam, Oregonia, Ohio; four sisters, Donna Torregrossa, Bushkill; Gerrie Carey, Marion "Molly" Supanek and Marie Lynch, Clarks Summit; nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Jude T. Fitzgerald; a sister, Margaret Moylan; and two nephews, Jonathan Joseph Supanek and Martin Moylan.

The funeral will be Saturday with Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Church of St. Benedict, Newton-Ransom Boulevard, Newton Twp., to be celebrated by Monsignor Joseph G. Quinn, pastor. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery with military honors.

The family will receive relatives and friends Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Service Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.