Reverend Gerald Joseph Fitzsimmons, S.M.M., a Montfort Missionary priest, died July 19, 2024 after a
courageous battle with the paralyzing disease ALS; he was 76 years old. Born July 11, 1948, the son of Donal and Hazel (O’Reilly) Fitzsimmons, Fr. Fitz was raised in St. Teresa of Avila Parish in South Ozone Park and attended High School at Montfort Seminary in Bay Shore from 1962-1966. Completing his novitiate year at Montfort Novitiate in Hartford City, Indiana, he professed vows August 15, 1967. He received his undergraduate degree and Master of Divinity from St. Louis University, and was ordained a priest February 22, 1975.
He exercised a long and fruitful parish ministry, first at Infant Jesus Parish in Port Jefferson, 1974-1979, and then at St. Mary Gate of Heaven, Ozone Park, from 1981 – 1986 as Associate Pastor and again from 2009 as Pastor. Father Fitzsimmons had a special calling and gift as a preacher of parish missions and retreats and from 1987 till his illness confined him, he travelled and preached across the United States, at times with a Team of Montfortians and lay people or alone. From 1993-2006 he served as Provincial Superior of the Montfort Missionaries in the United States.
For many years Fr. Fitzsimmons assisted both nationally and internationally in helping victims of clergy abuse with a ministry of compassion, wisdom, and justice. His work with Confreres around the Congregation in education on protection of vulnerable people, and the supervision of those who committed abuse, was foundational and ground breaking. He will be dearly missed and remembered by his brothers and sisters in the Montfortian Family, and by the extraordinary number of people whose lives have been touched by Fr. Fitzsimmons in his nearly fifty years of priesthood.
Reflecting on our Confrere’s life and ministry reminds us of the Epitaph at the tomb of our Father, St. Louis Marie de Montfort: “Traveler, what do you see? A Light quenched, a man consumed by the fire of charity, who became all things to all people…. A priest of Christ, he showed Christ in his actions and preached him everywhere in his words…. Indefatigable, he rested only in his grave. Father of the poor, protector of orphans, reconciler of sinners…. His death was the image of his life; as he lived so he died.”
"Fitzie" (as we knew him) celebrated Sunday Mass at this chapel even after he became confined to a wheelchair. Long Island natives would know this chapel is situated at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph, a very large and beautiful landmark campus dating back to the late 19th century.
ReplyDeleteFitzie and I attended St. Louis University together in the 1966/67 academic year and became very well acquainted. We remained in touch ever since. I can testify he was a "good guy" and a perfect example of a man with a missionary calling to priestly ministry. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord. He will be missed.
Brian Harrington
Investiture Class of 1961