Diocese of Fall River announces death of priest who had ties to Fall River, Taunton, the Cape and beyond

The Diocese of Fall River has issued the following statement concerning the death of a father that served throughout the diocese.

Reverend Monsignor Edmund J. Fitzgerald, a retired priest of the Diocese of Fall River, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Catholic Memorial Home in Fall River.  He was 82 and had been residing at the Cardinal Medeiros Residence in Fall River for the past several years.

Monsignor Fitzgerald was born in Taunton, the son of Dr. Edmund J. Fitzgerald, Sr. and Eunice (Drum) Fitzgerald.  He was a graduate of Monsignor James Coyle High School, class of 1960.  He attended Boston College for two years before enrolling at St. John’s Seminary.  He was ordained to the Roman Catholic Priesthood on May 18, 1968, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River by the Most Reverend James L. Connolly.

He served as a priest in the parishes of St. Joseph and Holy Name in Fall River and then as Pastoral Minister at St. Anne’s Hospital. In 1974, he was in residence at the former Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Fall River.  Monsignor Fitzgerald was Diocesan Coordinator of Pastoral Care of the sick, the Moderator for the Catholic Nurses, and a judge for the Diocesan Tribunal.  He became pastor in 1986 of St. John the Baptist Parish in Westport.  In 1988, he became the Director of the Diocesan Health Facilities Office, which oversees the five skilled nursing and rehabilitative care facilities in the Diocese.   In 1999, he was named Chaplain to His Holiness with the title of “Monsignor,” and in 2012 was elevated to a Prelate of Honor to His Holiness. From 2006 to 2019, he was pastor of St. Thomas More Parish in Somerset. He retired from both parish ministry and his Health Facilities post in 2019.

Father Jack’s work and commitment to the activities and responsibilities of the Diocese preceded his appointment as pastor of his first parish, St. John the Baptist in Westport.  He brought with him the skills and ability to create and sustain his new parish community, making all feel welcome and included.  He was dedicated to his parish and parishioners. Father Jack made himself available at all times to everyone.  He loved the vitality and spirit the parish generated.

He helped organize and attend the parish events while encouraging his parishioners to become involved.  Over his tenure the community of his parishioners became his extended family.  He loved the cycle of faith as he was involved in parishioners lives from Baptism, Communion, Marriage, and the Sacraments of Life.  Father Jack had a strong and unwavering sense of faith and character. His compassion was evident in his caring for the needs of the parish.  He had a quick sense of humor, was gentle, receptive and kind.

Father Jack loved spending time at his home in West Harwich.  He enjoyed gardening and looked forward to each spring.  His Cape time was also the opportunity to visit with family, especially his nieces and nephew, Katie, Meghan, and Marc.  “Uncle Jack” was a wonderful mentor.  His ability to listen and counsel meant the world to his family.  He was the pride and joy of his parents, Eunice and Edmund.  He will missed by all that knew him.

Monsignor Fitzgerald is survived by his brothers, Dr. Paul F. Fitzgerald, and his wife Anne (Bunny) of Cape Cod, Dr. Brian E. Fitzgerald and his wife Maria of Fairfield, CT. , along with nephew Marc Fitzgerald (Alyssa), Kathyrn Day (Matthew)and Meghan Almquist (David), and his grandnephews and nieces, Brady, Lucy, Connor, Caitlin Day, Maddie, James, Ellie Fitzgerald, and Charlie, Henry and Edmund Almquist.

Calling hours for Monsignor Fitzgerald will be held on Thursday April 10, 2025, from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. in St. Thomas More Church, 386. Luther Avenue in Somerset, with a Wake Vigil Service held at 6:30 p.m. 

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday April 11, 2025, celebrated by the Most Rev. Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Church.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend.  

Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Taunton.

In accordance with the season of Lent, flowers are omitted.

The family would like to thank Sandy Moniz and her team at Catholic Memorial for the care and compassion they provided to Monsignor Fitzgerald.

Memorial donations in his memory may be made to the Catholic Memorial Home c/o the Alzheimer’s Care Unit, 2446 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720.