SMITHFIELD, Va. – Joseph William Fitzgerald, 80, passed away unexpectedly Monday, Oct. 14, 2013, at Sentara Obici Hospital, Suffolk, Va. Born in Maine, Joe was the son of the late Eugene and Mattie Albert Fitzgerald.
He lived Kenduskeag before moving to Smithfield some three years ago to live with his daughter and son-in-law, Mayrene and Ron Graef. After serving four years as a medic in the U.S. Army, Joe entered barber school and proudly served the public as a barber for more than 40 years. Joe will be remembered for his outgoing personality who never met a stranger. In his pastime, he was an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer. Joe was a passionate camper and outdoorsman and made many trips to Matagamon Wilderness Campground, Patton.
A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Joe was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, LaVerne Cunningham Fitzgerald. He leaves to cherish his memories his daughter, Mayrene Graef and her husband, Ron, of Smithfield, Va., with whom he made his home; daughters, Sonya Mitchell and Bonny Davis; and son, James Davis, all of Lisbon Falls; son, Thomas Davis of Augusta; six grandchildren, Karen Mitchell Casey, Steven Mitchell, Don Aaron Mitchell, Raymond “Joey” Hutchinson, Alyssa Hutchinson Kuhn, and Levi Davis; and 11 great-grandchildren, Chloe, Eden, Tabitha, Tristan, Maddox, Macy, Paige, Kelsey, Bryce, Brandon, and Brody.
Joe will be remembered and his life celebrated 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at 333 Grace St., Smithfield, Va. Burial will take place at a later date in Maine. The family suggests contributions to Joe’s memory to IOW Relay for Life, care of Pam Jordan, 18214 Farmview Lane, Windsor, VA 23487; or to Luter Family YMCA, 259 James Street, Smithfield, VA 23430. Arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield, Va.
Joseph William Fitzgerald
