Livestream of the service will be available here.
With great sadness, we announce the peaceful and graceful passing of Terry FitzGerald, age 93 years, in Barrie, Ontario. Terry was the last surviving member of a family of four boys born to Gertrude (nee Chadwick) and John Henry FitzGerald. Terry and his identical twin brother Gerald ‘Gerry’ were born during the Great Depression in Toronto. In their youth, Terry and Gerry were an inseparable and deeply bonded duo who switched identities in elementary school to keep their teachers guessing as to who was whom. Together they played left and right wing for the hockey team of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic elementary school, and continued playing together at St. Michael’s College High School. Their deep attunement to each other made their spontaneous moves on the ice appear choreographed, and their identical mannerisms and instinctive alignment lasted the rest of their lives. As an adult, despite living many miles apart, Terry couldn’t wait to see Gerry again. The twins were so comfortable together that they often sat in silence, conveying a calming presence to those around them.
After graduating from high school, Terry played briefly for the American Hockey League St. Louis Flyers, the farm team for the Detroit Red Wings. In later years, he spoke of playing with hockey greats Gordie Howe and Red Kelly. One memorable night, the Flyers won a boisterous match on the road. The deeply agitated hometown crowd stormed onto the ice and refused to let the team leave their dressing room. The fire department used hoses to spray the fans with water. The team eventually escaped by scrambling across ladders placed by the ingenious firefighters from the dressing room windows to the windows of their awaiting bus.
After his time in professional hockey, Terry entered the Mount Carmel College Seminary, run by the Carmelites, a Roman Catholic order in Niagara Falls. There he studied theology and philosophy for nearly seven years. Before taking his vows and upon deep reflection, Terry chose to leave the seminary and return to lay life.
After completing a professional education program at the University of Toronto in 1964, Terry began his new life as a teacher. Later, in1974, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Bonaventure University in New York. Terry taught high school geography, history, and mathematics for twenty-five years, at Thornhill Secondary School in Thornhill, Ontario. Known as ‘Mr. Fitz’, former students remember Terry as an engaging and compassionate teacher who challenged students and possessed a tender sensitivity for students who were going through difficult times at home. One student was so inspired by Terry’s enthusiasm for history that he went on to write and dedicate a book of history to Terry. Fellow teachers remember him as a thoughtful, humble and reflective man with whom they shared deep conversations.
Terry was predeceased by his brother Armond (Calgary, AB), his twin brother Gerald (London, ON), and his brother Desmond (Tiburon, CA). He is survived by his nieces and nephews: from Ontario, Michael (Lesley), Jon Shaw (Lisa), and Jill Schitka (John); from Alberta Michelle Kuntzemann (Ralf), Maureen Hindmarch (Richard), Sharon, Sean (Lesley), Suzanne (Michael Baddeley), Patricia Markin (Allan), and Jennifer (James Tallian); and from California, Cynthia (Bob Neiman) and Brian (Donna).
His nieces and nephews remember Terry as a warm, tender hearted, and empathetic uncle who paradoxically loved solitude and yet, who was always interested in their lives and enthusiastic about visits. One nephew said Terry was the kindest person he ever met. His Ontario family have fond memories of spending summer days at his cottages in Simcoe County. His strength of heart was demonstrated by the devoted and compassionate care Terry showed for his Aunt Margaret (Pencik) for many years.
A successful athlete in his youth, Terry remained an avid sports fan as he grew older. While he loved hockey and football, especially the Toronto Argonauts, his favorite sports team were the Toronto Blue Jays. He always looked forward to the Blue Jay’s opening season, and watched every game with keen interest. His wish, upon turning ninety years old, was to attend a Blue Jays game with his nieces and nephews, a wish that came true in 2022.
In 2003, Terry was contacted by avid amateur genealogist , Lisa Boos, about their shared family connections. Thus began a friendship that over time, deepened to become much like a father-daughter bond. Lisa’s husband Darryl, and children Jack and Hannah invited Terry into their hearts and home. As he grew older, Terry relied on Lisa to help him with administrative tasks, health care, and everyday living. Lisa genuinely understood and shared in Terry’s life experiences, visiting him often, communicating with his family, and anticipating his changing needs. Lisa’s patience, commitment, integrity and her love for Terry demonstrated the highest of human values. The FitzGerald family are indebted to Lisa and her family for their compassionate embrace of a stranger who became part of their family.
Terry’s family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Aspira The Barrieview Retirement Living and Daisy-a-Day for their gentle and attentive care.
Visitation will be held at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley Street Barrie, Ontario at Thursday, March 26th at 10:00 am, with service at 11:00 am in the Chapel. Immediately following the service, there will be a burial service at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 8361 Yonge Street Thornhill, Ontario. Family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to join the service via livestream.
If friends so desire, donations can be made to the St. Michael’s College School’s bursary program for hockey by calling the Office of Advancement at 416-653-3180 ext.118, via email at advancement@smcsmail.com or online at smcsgive.com.
Online memories and condolences may be forwarded via www.steckleygooderham.com