By Mary Stadnyk | Associate Editor

Whether they knew him as “Msgr. Fitzgerald,” “Bill” or “Fitz,” there were stories fondly shared by the many who gathered to pay tribute and honor the life and priestly ministry of Msgr. William F. Fitzgerald.

Msgr. Fitzgerald, a priest of the diocese for 63 years, died Jan. 13 at age 86. His Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Jan. 18 in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, West Trenton, where Msgr. Fitzgerald had served as pastor from 1973 until his retirement in 2001. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., was principal celebrant of the Mass, with some 40 priests joining him at the altar.

Some of the memories of Msgr. Fitzgerald reflected to his being the only resident to escape the March 14, 1956, fire that destroyed St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, and rectory, without injury. The devastating fire claimed the lives of three people – Msgr. Richard T. Crean, cathedral rector and two housekeepers. Three other priests who were living in the rectory were injured.

Other memories centered on the knowledge, foresight and business savvy that he brought to the various distinguished positions he had held, including the more than 40 years he served in diocesan administration as chancellor and vicar general. And other memories recalled the man who was a pastor, teacher, friend, sports fan and someone who enjoyed travelling.

In his homily, Msgr. John K. Dermond, who worked with Msgr. Fitzgerald for many years in the Chancery, got a chuckle from the congregation when he referenced a 2001 Monitor article in which Msgr. Fitzgerald was interviewed about his pending retirement. Msgr. Dermond recalled that in the story, Msgr. Fitzgerald had mentioned often having to make tough decisions on administration matters and with those decisions, he was sometimes made out to be the “bearer of bad tidings” or “the bad guy.”

“But the article about his retirement and our gathering here for his funeral is not about bad tidings or about his being the ‘bad guy,’” said Msgr. Dermond, who was diocesan judicial vicar for many years. “God’s Word to us today once more proclaims the Good News revealed by Jesus; the Good News celebrated, preached and lived faithfully from day-to-day by a good priest – a great priest.”

“His was a priesthood of Good News to the bishops, clergy, religious and laity he served here for 63 years of priestly life,” said Msgr. Dermond, noting to his brother-priest and colleague’s support of Catholic education and parish life and how he continuously found ways to keep them financially viable.

“Msgr. Fitzgerald’s passing leaves a legacy, yes. But more it leaves us a witness that spurs us on to face the labor and burden of making Jesus Christ truly visible in our times and in our culture,” said Msgr. Dermond. He had a great intellect and a great sense of what was good for the Church.”

Born in Newark and raised in South Amboy, Msgr. Fitzgerald prepared for the priesthood in St. Charles College, Catonsville, Md., and St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore. He was ordained a priest June 28, 1950 by Bishop George W. Ahr.

Following his ordination, he pursued studies in canon law in The Catholic University of America, Washington. Upon his return to the diocese three years later, he was assigned as assistant chancellor of the diocese. He was later named vice officialis in 1960; vice chancellor in 1963, and chancellor in 1966.

Under Bishop John C. Reiss, Msgr. Fitzgerald served as Episcopal vicar for administration and several terms as vicar for organizational services. In 1992, he was named moderator of the curia and in 1997, he was named vicar general by Bishop John M. Smith.

Msgr. Fitzgerald served in two parishes as pastor — St. Joseph Parish, Trenton, from 1967-1973, and Our Lady of Good Counsel, West Trenton, from 1973 to 2001.

Dan and Betty Morocco remembered their former pastor as being “very dedicated and personable,” especially when they were preparing for their marriage 13 years ago.

“It was a second marriage for both of us,” Betty said, noting that both she and Dan had been previously widowed. Before they were married, Betty, who was Protestant, desired to become Catholic and Msgr. Fitzgerald instructed Betty in the Catholic faith as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process.

“Because of his dedication, parishioners became close to him and he brought you closer to the Church,” said Dan, a lifelong parishioner.

As a high school student, Jean DiMarco came to know Msgr. Fitzgerald  in St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville, where he lived in residence following the cathedral fire.

“We have been friends ever since,” Di Marco said.

“He was a very gentle man, very compassionate, very concerned about people. He and his sister were inseparable.”

Noting their 11-year age difference, Franciscan Sister Marian William Fitzgerald quietly reflected on the close relationship she had with her beloved older brother and how he always “kept an eye out for me, while I was growing up. He took care of mom and me after our father had died (at age 59).

“Just before our mother died, she was on her deathbed when she instructed the two of us to continue to take care of each other,” Sister Marian William said.

In recent years as Msgr. Fitzgerald struggled with debilitating illness, Sister Marian William made it her mission to reciprocate her brother’s many years of love and care by visiting him each day at St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center, where he resided.

“He’s with the Lord now, but I know my brother’s still watching over me,” she said.

Click here to see Msgr. Fitzgerald’s full obituary, visit www.trentonmonitor.com