Edward C. Fitzgerald, age 92, of Milford, CT passed away peacefully on March 19, 2017 surrounded by his family. Edward was born on October 1, 1924 in Springfield, MA to Michael and Ann Fitzgerald. He grew up in Indian Orchard, MA along with his older brother Michael. Edward attended Tech High School. He joined the U.S. Army in 1943, and served in the 101st Airborne Division as a paratrooper. He fought in the European Theater and was a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge. He received many military medals including the Presidential citation medal (twice), Victory medal, and Five Stars Medal for five major battles. He achieved the rank of Sergeant quickly. 

After the war, he married his school sweetheart, Gloria Bissonnette, in 1948. Edward attended and graduated Springfield College in MA receiving a teaching degree in both Physical Education and History. He taught both subjects in Newport, NH and South Windsor, CT as well as coaching high school football. During these years, Edward and Gloria's children were born: Gregory, Kathleen and Elizabeth. The family moved to Milford, CT in 1960. Edward taught physical education and was the football coach and athletic director at Trumbull High School from 1960-1967.  During that time, he also attended the University of Bridgeport to earn his Masters and a sixth year degree in administration. In 1967, he took a position as a principal at Amity High School in Woodbridge, CT.  Edward was heavily involved in Title IX issues while at Amity and remained a consultant about this after his retirement. He was a well-respected administrator at Amity until his retirement in 1984. 

Edward and Gloria's family enjoyed many years of vacations to Cape Cod, Atlantic City beach, Maine and Vermont. Family always came first and in his later years he spent many happy times with his grandchildren as well. 

Upon retirement, he and Gloria enjoyed being "snowbirds" in Florida for many years. They also traveled to the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee and Louisiana. Edward kept active by playing golf with his son Gregory and grandsons Patrick and Chris. In the winter he loved ice skating. He also spent time swimming in the ocean or in his pool. Edward loved all kinds of music, especially Dixieland jazz, Big Band and musicals.  Edward also enjoyed collecting stamps and rare books in his later years. He was a faithful member of Saint Mary's Church in Milford since 1960, where he was an usher for many years. He also served on the school board for more than three years. 

Edward was predeceased by his wife Gloria and his son Gregory. Edward leaves behind his daughters, Kathleen Morse (Thomas) of Milford and Elizabeth Fitzgerald of Milford who lovingly cared for Edward during his illness. He also leaves to cherish his memory his four grandchildren, Melissa Fuller (HughBob) of Austin, Texas, Patrick Fitzgerald of Bristow, VA, Christopher Morse (Sherry) of Woodbridge, CT and Heather Morse of Virginia Beach, VA. Edward also has five great-grandchildren whom he cherished, Mikaela, Drew and Zoe Fuller, and Taylor and Hannah Morse.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 24, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Church, 70 Gulf St., Milford, CT (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Buckingham Ave., Milford, CT. Friends and family are invited to call on Thursday, March 23, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. Donations in Edward's name can be made to: Salesian Missions, 2 Lefevre Lane, New Rochelle, NY 10801, or the Hospice Unit at Masonicare, c/o Masonic Charity Foundation, 74 Cheshire Rd., P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492.