Kenneth W. Fitzgerald died unexpectedly of a heart attack on Thursday, June 24, 2004. He was 68 years old.
For the greater part of the last 15 years Fitzgerald worked for the University’s Facilities Management as a building and grounds management worker. On the Portland campus, he was well-liked by all who knew him.
A native of Portland, he was born on March 31, 1936 to the parents, Walter and Almena Fitzgerald.
He married Elizabeth Carroll on February 12, 1971. She passed away on September 27, 1999.
He served for 21 years in the Army National Guard and was a member of the Improved Order of Red Men.
He was a devoted grandfather and often attended the softball games of his many grandchildren.
He led an active lifestyle, always keeping busy. One of his passions was to cook for his family and sometimes for charity.
He was described by Michelle Senence, the administrative assistant in Facilities Management as, “A lot like Santa, a jolly old soul.” He played Santa Claus for children at schools and at the Maine Medical Center.
He had no trouble making friends and was well respected and liked by his peers. “We all felt the impact of his loss when he died,” said his friend and co-worker Albert Johnson.
He is survived by nine daughters, Rosemary Freeman, Deborah Drew, Charlene Campbell, Victoria Stevens, Beverly Mason, Stephanie Parker, Josie Towne, Robyn Shaw and Denise Goodwin; a son, Roy Fitzgerald; four brothers, Walter, Arthur, Edward, and John Fitzgerald; two sisters, Margaret Rench and Nancy Fitzgerald; 22 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.