It
is with profound sadness that we share that Connor M. Fitzgerald
passed away unexpectedly on October 23, 2024, in Burlington, Vt.
He
was born in Las Vegas on October 15, 1994, and joined his adoptive
family in Highland Park, Ill., where he attended school and played
multiple sports. There, he became an avid Bears fan and had the
opportunity to attend many Bulls games at the United Center, which
fueled a lifelong love of basketball. His sister, Sarah, joined the
family in 1996, and they relocated back to Vermont in 2004 to be
closer to his grandparents and extended family. Connor attended South
Burlington schools and graduated from South Burlington High School in
2013.
We
are grateful that we were able to recently celebrate Connor’s 30th
birthday together with much love and laughter. It reminded us how
caring, empathetic, protective, charismatic and loyal Connor was,
with a lively sense of humor and a strong opinion on most any topic.
Connor
is survived by his mother, Elizabeth; his birth mother, K.M.; and his
beloved sister, Sarah. He is also survived by two nieces, Ava and
Harper, whom he adored and who also adored him. He is survived by
many aunts and uncles and cousins: John and wife Donna (cousins
Emily, Peter, Tim and Lydia); Julia and husband Bill Crenshaw (cousin
Mike Bishop); Mary Jo and husband Gene Risi (cousins Matt, Adam and
Kate); Jeffrey and wife Lynda (cousins Matt and Daniel); Andrew and
wife Carolyn (cousins Mark, Greg and Maggie); Jane and husband Joseph
Parrish (cousins Liam, Sean and Molly); and Joseph and wife Bethany
(cousins Gretchen and Britta). Predeceasing Connor are his
grandparents, Mary Ellen (Fuller) and John R. Fitzgerald, and infant
cousin, Elizabeth A. Fitzgerald.
We
wish to express sincere gratitude to the first responders of the
Burlington Fire Department and the University of Vermont Emergency
Department, who provided heroic efforts during Connor’s medical
crisis. We also wish to thank LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation
Services, who provided a dignified and respectful opportunity for us
to say goodbye to Connor.
A
remembrance service will be scheduled at a later date.
“For
he was lost and now is found.”
A
yearning heart, with restless pace
Through
darkened paths, his steps did stray.
But
light has come to guide his way.
Then
grace descended, soft and kind
A
hand to hold and peace of mind
The
chains of doubt now cast aside
In
love’s embrace, he can confide.
This
is a tale of hope untold
A
story written, with love’s strong hold,
For
he was lost and now is found
A
sacred peace, on holy ground.
In
honor of Connor’s generous spirit, please consider a donation to
the South Burlington Food Shelf, PO Box 9147, South Burlington, VT
05407-9417, southburlingtonfoodshelf.org
Arrangements
are in the care of LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To
send online condolences to his family, please visit
vtfuneralhomes.com.
This article appears in The Tech Issue 2024.