Obituary: ​Harry (Butch) Kress Fitzgerald Jr., of Wolcott

Obituary courtesy of Chase Parkway Memorial/Albini Family Funeral Home

Harry "Butch" K. Fitzgerald

July 31, 1945 - May 13, 2021

“Loving husband, father, grandfather and brother”

WOLCOTT, CT - Harry (Butch) Kress Fitzgerald Jr., of Wolcott, Connecticut passed away on May 13, 2021 with his loving wife, Christine (Galullo), and his daughter Kelly Mazza by his side. Butch and Chris recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary and enjoyed many wonderful adventures together. Butch was a caring and dedicated father to Kelly and she could not feel more blessed to have been his little girl. He appreciated having such a caring son-in-law in Nicholas Mazza, whom he embraced as his very own.

Butch held many “titles” throughout his lifetime including son, brother, husband, father, soldier, volunteer, and friend but the one he loved and treasured most of all was “Pop”. He adored his grandchildren, Ethan and Emersyn, and was so incredibly proud of them and their accomplishments. They were his greatest joy and they will always remember their Pop for his silly jokes, witty come backs, and funny stories.

Butch was born in Waterbury on July 31, 1945 and raised in Cheshire; the son of the late Harry Fitzgerald Sr. and Eunice (Ridenhour). He graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy and College in Pennsylvania. After graduation, he worked at his family-owned business, Fitzgerald Ambulance. He proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army. Butch retired from the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Retardation and later worked for the towns of Wolcott and Newtown as the Planning and Zoning Officer. Before “officially” retiring, he worked as a realtor for Century 21. He was a past Chairman for the Wolcott Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Assessment Appeals, and the Conservation Commission.

In addition to spending time with his family, Butch loved watching his favorite sports teams, the Red Sox, Giants, and Huskies. He enjoyed traveling with Chris to places like Hawaii, Germany, Costa Rica, Lake George and many more. He especially liked to go to Walt Disney World and on Disney cruises with his family. He loved fishing, the ocean, and taking care of his backyard animals. He had the best sense of humor and his laugh was infectious.

He is survived by his sister Susan Hallbach and husband Mark, his sister Sharon Sides and husband Art, as well as several nieces and nephews. Butch appreciated marrying into a large family and had fond memories with each of Chris’ siblings and their spouses.

Thank you to Dr. Jega for the outstanding care he provided to Butch over the years. Butch loved animals, including the many dogs and cats he had throughout the years. Please consider donating to the Wolcott Dog Pound in memory of Butch. Contributions may be sent to Wolcott Animal Control 225 Nichols Road Wolcott, CT. 06716.

Arrangements: Funeral services for Butch will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial/Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury. Burial with military honors will follow at Edgewood Cemetery. Calling hours Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Butch loved animals, including the many dogs and cats he had throughout the years. Please consider donating to the Wolcott Dog Pound in memory of Butch.
Contributions may be sent to:
Wolcott Animal Control
225 Nichols Road
Wolcott, CT. 06716