Obituary of Thomas Joseph Fitzgerald

FITZGERALD - Thomas Joseph "Tom", 83 of New Florence, PA and West Clarksville, NY passed away on May 2 at Indiana Regional Medical Center in Indiana, PA.  He was born to Walter A. and F. Marie Fitzgerald on July 31, 1939 in Olean, NY. He is preceded in death by two daughters, Heather Jayne and Rebecca Corinne; grandparents William and Mary Fitzgerald and Cassius and Corinne Congdon; siblings Walter C., Jean M., C. Robert. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Jayne, children Jeremy, Kari, Bronwyn, Joseph, Stephanie, Cassius, Nathan, and grandson Evan. He graduated from Richburg Central High School, Richburg, NY in 1957 and had a Bachelor’s degree from the College of Forestry at Syracuse University in 1963. He served as a Forster for the State of Pennsylvania retiring in 2005 after 41 years of service.

Tom had a life-long interest in photography, back-packing, and camping. He leaves behind a legacy of thousands of Kodachrome slides and digital photos.  He was among the founding members of the Susquehannock Trail System and Club of Coudersport, PA. Tom was the editor of the STC’s newsletter for a decade and remained an active member throughout his life. In addition, editing the STC’s newsletter, Tom would submit satirical articles, under the pseudonym “George Reamerstraff,” partially inspired by his early life and college years.

Throughout Tom’s life he was active in Scouting, first as a boy scout himself and later as an adult leader and merit-badge counselor. Tom will be remembered for sharing his seemingly unlimited knowledge of nature and always knowing which knot was needed.  He enjoyed giving back to an organization that enriched his life with a love of the outdoors, his country, and God.

Tom was a devout Catholic and a member of Holy Family Parish in Seward, PA and Saint Mary’s Parish in Bolivar, NY. He lived his life according to the Word of God. A funeral mass will be held 11 am July 29, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 425 Bridge Street, Seward, PA 15954.  Interment will be in New York state.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Tom’s name to the Susquehannock Trail Club, Box 643, Coudersport, PA 16915.