Michael Joseph Fitzgerald, Sr passed away October 3rd, 2021 at the age of 85. He joined the love of his life, Joan, as well as his son Michael, Jr, both of whom proceeded him in death. Also proceeded in death were his parents, Michael and Anne, as well as sisters Noreen Pariselli and Brigine Boure. A brother, Neil resides in Virginia. He leaves behind his daughters Ann Rossman and her husband Stephen of Cleveland, TN, and Bridget Browne and her husband Shippen of Charlotte NC. Grandchildren include Caroline and Emily Rossman of Chattanooga TN and Ben, Chase and Anna Banks Browne who reside in Charlotte NC. Mike was born and raised in Boston MA. Both of his parents arrived from Ireland through Ellis Island and settled in the Jamaica Plain area, where they raised their family alongside other Irish immigrants. After high school, Mike enlisted in the US Marine Corps, where memories of his training and his Semper Fi pride were often some of the most colorful tales he would tell. After leaving the Corps, he began dating his true love Joan Clark. They married young and went on to become proud loving parents to three children, Ann, Michael Jr and Bridget. His career in logistics took him to several cities and many moves. He began with United Parcel Service (UPS) as a driver and was quickly promoted to Supervisor within the company. He continued on to Overmeyer (a firm in NYC) before joining a startup company that was going to revolutionize shipping by offering overnight shipping. An absurd idea at the time, Mike loved a challenge. Despite having 2 young children and one on the way, he began his career at Federal Express and became the Senior Vice President of Operations and Sales. After 10 years, he decided to slow down and start his own consulting firm. A move to the Eastern Shore of Maryland allowed him to enjoy days sailing and boating. Trips up and down the intercoastal with his wife and friends provided some wonderful opportunities to reconnect with his many friends from various moves. His consulting business kept him busy traveling but he always managed to make sure that he and Joan would spend precious time in Ireland each year. Parknasilla in Sneem provided a much-needed respite and was a step back in time for Mike and Joan. It would forever be known as their "Special Place". A final move to Florida is where he and Joan would ultimately feel at home. With the warm weather and sunny days, they both enjoyed spending time at the Yacht and Country Club. Visits to and from the grandchildren kept them quite busy. After many years playing golf, it was bowling that brought much joy to the last 10 years. Although he never bowled the perfect game, he was an accomplished player and competed in several tournaments, often proudly wearing his lucky shirt with "Papa" on his chest. A term his grandchildren affectionately called him. Those who knew Mike knew how he would captivate an audience with his magnetic charm and contagious smile. He was a true Irishman who never met a stranger. An avid reader and a "wealth of knowledge", he was rarely seen without a book in hand or his trusted companion Selkie, a border terrier that had been a gift from his son Michael. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 11:00am at Walnut Hills Cemetery, 96 Grove Street, Brookline MA. Donations may be made in Michael's memory to InReach c/o Development 4530 Park Road, Suite 300 Charlotte, NC 28209 or online at https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/ResidentialSupportServices/giftsdonationsr-1-1.html (inreachnc.org) Please indicate in comments section Michael Fitzgerald's memory.