Donald W. Fitzgerald

Mr. Donald W. Fitzgerald, of Braintree, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 9, 2025, after a brief illness two days before his 93rd Birthday.

Beloved husband of Jeannette (Skaff) Fitzgerald, the love of his life for over 65 years.

Loving father of Donna Zampi and her husband, Carl, of Norton; Kenneth Fitzgerald and his wife, Lynne, of Hingham; Victoria Paliulis and her husband, John, of South Windsor, CT; Stephen Fitzgerald and his wife, Elizabeth, of Brookline, NH; and James Fitzgerald and his wife, Diana, of Braintree.

Cherished “Pa” to Michael, Matthew, Emily, Natalie, Daniel, Benjamin, Abigail, Sophia, James, and Nicholas.

Son of the late Frances (McCrann) and William Fitzgerald. Brother of the late William and David Fitzgerald. Survived by brother Paul Fitzgerald and sisters-in-law Mary Akoury, Laurice Caliri and Kathleen Fitzgerald and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by sister-in-law Deanna Skaff, brothers-in-law Naif Akoury, George Shaheen and Victor Caliri, and mother and father-in-law Victoria and Nicholas Skaff.

“Donnie” grew up in Milton where his time spent in the Blue Hills Reservation instilled within him a deep fondness for nature. His love for the outdoors was a consistent theme throughout his life, remaining a seasoned hiker well into his senior years. As an avid fisherman, Don would catch his fair share but remained steadfast in his pursuit for “the one that got away”.

He graduated from Milton High School, earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University, and a MS in Engineering Management from Northeastern University. He proudly served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant stationed with an artillery unit at Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Don had a long career in the power engineering field as a Senior Project Manager, employed for 37 years at Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation, where he met his loving wife. Don was an accomplished Professional Engineer in several states. His work took him around the world, including residence in Malaysia for several years, and later continued his career at Burns and Roe Enterprises until his retirement in 1998. His success as an Engineer greatly influenced the trajectory of his children and grandchildren, many of whom have pursued or are pursuing the profession.

Don and his wife, Jeannette, raised their family of five children in Braintree. Always a supportive father, he participated in his children’s activities and interests including taking on positions in the Boy Scouts for a number of years. He was a great provider and an ever-present father, being there for each of his children’s many events. This pattern continued with his grandchildren, attending events as recently as one week before his brief hospitalization.

Don's life was full of love, laughter, and adventure, having traveled extensively across the U.S. and to exotic places around the world. However, his greatest joy came from his family and the cherished moments they shared, whether they be in a packed station wagon for a road trip with the extended family, or in a cottage with his children and grandchildren on Cape Cod every year. He greatly enjoyed clamming at Onset, beachcombing at Craigville, and boogie-boarding at Marconi but given his fair Irish complexion, also spent a fair amount of time relaxing under his umbrella with a good book. After the sun and surf, Don loved nothing better than to cap off the day with a heated game of Uno with his grandchildren.

Don’s modest and reserved demeanor concealed a witty sense of humor that made for amusing conversation during the many family gatherings that he and his wife hosted. He embraced his wife’s Lebanese culture, large close-knit family, and of course the food. Don enjoyed a good time with an occasional glass of Jack Daniels in hand.

He was devout in his Catholic faith, regularly attending mass at St. Clare’s church, and dedicated to his wife and family above all else. He was a long-time member of the Olde Colony Civil War Roundtable, where he served as treasurer.

He lived a wonderful life and he was very grateful for his family, extended family and the many good friends and neighbors he met throughout his life. Don will be remembered fondly and deeply missed by all but his legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Monday 3/17/2025 from 4-8 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, 809 Main Street, South Weymouth.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, 3/18/2025 at St. Clare's Parish, 1244 Liberty Street, Braintree at 10 AM. Funeral Procession will commence at MacDonald Keohane Funeral Home at 9:00 AM.

Burial will follow in Blue Hill Cemetery, 700 West Street, Braintree.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital