Patrick "Bones" J. Fitzgerald

It is with immeasurable sadness that we share that Patrick Joseph “Bones” Fitzgerald, 45, passed away unexpectedly on November 5, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love for sports and an unwavering devotion to his family and friends.  Patrick was predeceased by grandparents, Ann Fitzgerald, and Bud and Row Reardon, as well as cherished family members Shirley Crowley, William Fitzgerald, Francis Fitzgerald, Scott Fitzgerald, and Jack Murray.  
Patrick is survived by his parents Jack and Cathy Fitzgerald, brother John "Buddy" (Kate) Fitzgerald, nephews Jimmy, Johnny and Tommy Fitzgerald, and beloved girlfriend Stefanie Kermidas. He also leaves behind aunts and uncles Jim (Sue) Reardon, Patrick Reardon, Kevin (Karen) Reardon, Mark (Shannon) Reardon, his second mother Colleen Murray, Tim (Tracy) Reardon, Shawn (Melissa) Reardon, Robert (Donna) Fitzgerald, Patricia Fitzgerald, and cousins Colin, Matt, KC, Johnny, Bailey, Linsey, Jack, Brady, Peg, Mark, Sean, Kevin, Kelly, Missy, Nancy, and Michael.
Patrick was born in Binghamton New York on January 7, 1978. His love of baseball began in Port Dickinson on Rochelle Road, as he became a founding member of Welfare Stadium, located in the backyard of his family home. Here, years of championship whiffle ball was played, and memories were written by Patrick and the friends he carried throughout his life.  When you walked by on any number of summer nights, you would hear their cheers as incredible plays were made and champions emerged.
Those cheers would echo throughout Patrick’s life as he routed for his favorite teams.  He traveled on many spring occasions to watch his beloved New York Mets during preseason baseball. Whether they won it all, or came up short, Patrick was their biggest fan. He knew the stats of each player and the ones before them, with a knowledge of baseball that would rival Cooperstown. Later in life Patrick brought that same support, passion, and energy to local ballparks where he would cheer on his nephews. Patrick followed their stats just as closely and never missed an opportunity to let them know how "big league" he believed they were.  
Patrick’s love of family was bigger than his love of sports. From his earliest days, he was surrounded by his large, close-knit Irish family–their households filled with unending faith, love, and laughter.  Whoever showed up would be provided with a warm meal and always a good story. Patrick carried this friendly, welcoming spirit with him wherever he went.  He would befriend everyone, giving them his endless loyalty and ensuring they never went without what they needed. His generosity to all was ever present. Just like he memorized stats, Patrick never forgot the stories he grew up with. He shared them over and over again with such detail and wit that they would always bring a smile your face. There will never be another person who can generate such joy simply by starting a sentence with “remember when…”.  
Patrick’s life will be celebrated Friday, November 10th, 2023, 10:00 am, at Saint Francis of Assisi. His family invites you to attend and continue to tell stories with the glee and passion that Patrick did.  A private family burial will follow. If you’d like to make a donation in Patrick’s name, please reach out to Catherine’s Cupboard at 1031 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY 13901, or the Warrior Fund via the Chenango Valley High School Alumni Association at 25 Brookside Lane, Chenango Forks, NY 13746.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.  - May his soul be on God’s right hand. 

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