Roger Fitzgibbons

Roger V. Fitzgibbons, 87, a resident of DeWitt, NY for 86 years, passed into eternity on March 28, 2025, as a resident of Largo, Florida. In Largo, he spent his time with warm sunshine, with blue skies, tropical flowers, margaritas and the ocean — all of which amazed him immensely. He gloried in his newfound tan.

Roger died comfortably after a short illness and a heroic battle. He was surrounded by his family, both at the bedside and by phone from afar, who prayed with him, regaled him with the best stories and funniest memories, showered him with love, gratitude and messages of courage, and who “smuggled” his beloved cat into the ICU with some excellent nursing accomplices.

Born on January 26th, 1938 in Syracuse, NY, Roger was raised by his mother Katherine Mahan Fitzgibbons, whose husband and father of her four boys, James F. Fitzgibbons (US Army) was killed in Antwerp, Belgium during World War II. Roger was educated at Cathedral School in Syracuse and was the first person in his family to be accepted into college.

Roger's professional journey was a circuitous adventure; he didn’t care about titles or typical corporate accomplishments, and he never chased money. His eclectic talents allowed him to try sales and marketing, credit management, and other entrepreneurial pursuits. He found his true passion when he gave his life to Jesus Christ at age 48 and discovered His Love in every person that crossed his path. Roger treasured people, and he was a friend to all as well as a servant to many.

He volunteered for several years as a Catholic worker at Unity Acres in Orwell, NY and was the founder of a hospitality house in DeWitt that served homeless terminally ill men, including some of the first AIDs patients in Central New York. At age 60, he went back to school and obtained his certificate in Licensed Practical Nursing. With these skills he went on to care for many dear friends, neighbors, and his own daughter through final illnesses. For decades, Roger regularly brought the Holy Eucharist, prayer, a smile, and some gossip to people in hospitals, nursing homes or confined in their own home.

Roger was deeply committed to his family and friends, as well as JD and SU sports, and to the Yankees and the Bills. He loved all dogs, some cats, a few wines, and all margaritas. He loved all things baseball, celebrations, parties, any new adventure, “old” music and card games, especially UNO (he likely cheated).

The loss of Roger leaves a void that cannot be filled. However, his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate enough to know him. Imagining Roger’s advice: Love everyone no matter what, be brave enough to learn something new even when you think you’re too old, stay strong enough to rake baseball fields at seventy, take up golf for a day, don’t miss Harry Potter World even at 86, and always appreciate the joy of a good margarita and a sunset at the beach.

Roger was the father of nine beautiful children. He is predeceased by his daughter Katy (Dan) Nappi and is survived by his wife Stacey and his former wife Kathy. He is survived by his children Matthew, Sheila (Brett) Pratt, Sara (Greg) Norgle, Kevin (Rebecca Zimmer), Maura (Justin) Snow, Joshua (Alexandria Sochia), Paul (Carlee Kingston) and Julianna (Patrick Collins). He is also survived by 13 beloved grandchildren; Caroline and Samantha Nappi, Tyler Fitzgibbons, Sydney and Lucas Pratt, Grace, Molly, Tommy and Danny Norgle, Hannah Fitzgibbons, Kayleigh, Damon and Connor Snow.

A Mass to honor Roger's life will be held on May 2 at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, 4112 East Genesee Street at 10:00 am. Calling hours will be held from 4-7 pm Thursday, May 1st, at Burns Garfield Funeral Home, 3175 East Genesee Street. . Family, friends, and all who knew Roger are invited to come together to share memories and celebrate the eternal life of an extraordinary person.

Flowers may be sent to Burns Garfield Funeral Home in Roger’s honor. Donations may be made in Roger’s name to: Crouse Health Foundation Spiritual Care Ministry, 736 Irving Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210.