James “Jim” Dillon Fitzgerald

James “Jim” Dillon Fitzgerald, age 66, of Cohasset, MA, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Monday, March 25, 2024 after a courageous four-year battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Jim was born on December 3, 1957, the first of six, to Irish-born John Fitzgerald and the late Kathleen (Angela) Fitzgerald, in the Bronx, New York.  Jim loved being a son and older brother. He would often tell the story of helping his mom, who had six kids in seven years, change diapers before he was two years old.  The family moved to Yonkers and then eventually settled in Crestwood. Jim graduated from Annunciation School in 1971, Salesian High School in 1975, and Manhattan College in 1979.

After graduating Manhattan College with a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering and Master’s in Environmental Engineering, Jim moved to Boston and met his loving wife, Lorrie. After marrying in July 1992, they moved to Cohasset to raise their two children, Christie and Doug.

Jim had a successful 40-year career in engineering that took him around the world.  He rose to Managing Partner of ERM Northeast after 20 years with the company, before taking on various consulting roles. Most recently, he was proud to have co-founded a reusable energy business, Global Common, with a former colleague and friend.  Jim was a member of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists’ Board of Trustees, and Chair of the Academy’s Site Remediation Committee.

He was a family man first.  Jim will be remembered most for perhaps something that can easily be taken for granted – the quiet strength of everyday consistency.  His children will remember him for never missing a game, a family vacation, or simply a family dinner. That sense of consistency also ensured everyone knew exactly where to find him on a summer weekend – the golf course.  Although he lived in Massachusetts for over 30 years, he never gave up his loyalty to his hometown teams, particularly the Rangers and the Mets.

Throughout the ups and downs of his diagnosis, Jim will be remembered for his optimism, selflessness, and constant strength.

Jim’s love lives on in the hearts of his family: Lorrie (Siedlecki) Fitzgerald, wife of 31 years; daughter Christie (Fitzgerald) Hanratty and her husband Ryan; son Douglas Fitzgerald and his wife Isabella; his father, John Fitzgerald; siblings John (Laura) Fitzgerald, Kathleen (Alicia) Fitzgerald, William (Regina) Fitzgerald, Mary Fitzgerald, Anne (Brian) Kiernan, and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews throughout the US, Ireland, and Europe.

Jim will be missed in the big moments, but even more in the smaller ones.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life, with details to be shared.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jim’s memory to support cancer research and patient care: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift.