Obituary of William J. Fitzsimmons

“Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

• Dylan Thomas

On Monday November 4, 2024 at Morristown Medical Center, William John Fitzsimmons, after a long, courageous and inspiring battle, took his last breath. Throughout his last days, he was at all times surrounded by those closest to him and fought until he had nothing left to give.  He is survived by his wife of 59 ½ years, Rosemary (Malady) Fitzsimmons, children MarySusan Rossinow (Seth), William John Fitzsimmons, Jr., and Sean Fitzsimmons (Kate), grandchildren Brandon, Julia, Natalie, Benjamin, Kaitlin and Olivia, brother Thomas Fitzsimmons, in laws Maureen and Noe Ciccolini, Denice and Roger Desiderio, 16 nieces, nephews, their spouses, their children to whom he was affectionately known as “Uncle Billy” as well as numerous friends, many of whom he considered family, to whom he was “Mr. Fitz.” He was 86 years old.  To sum up his approach to life, “Family first, family always.”

Born on April 15, 1938 in Jersey City to Susan (Canavan) and John Fitzsimmons, “Bill” was raised in Harrison, where the family lived in the Harrison Gardens housing complex. Bill, along with older brothers John, Harry and Thomas, were surrounded by extended family on his mother’s side, as the Harrison area was where the Canavan Family took root upon immigrating from their Homeland of Scotland.  Bill was a talented and intense athlete, who during his junior and senior year of high school started on both the varsity football and soccer teams during the same fall season. His scholastic career was highlighted by being named to the All-State soccer team his senior year.

After high school, Bill held various jobs before finding a position as a truck driver with Bilkays Express in Elizabeth, where he would work for 28 years, much of which was spent navigating through the streets of lower Manhattan.  It was during this time that he met the love of his life Rosemary at a dance at the Polish Home in Irvington in 1960. Shortly after getting married in 1965, Bill and Rosemary moved to Maplewood, where they would raise their children and develop many lifelong friends.

When the kids were younger, the family would spend many weekends and week-long vacations camping.  The mode of transportation was a blue Chevy station wagon, which pulled a Starcraft pop-up camper with a rowboat strapped to the top. With kids and their friends in tow, many memorable adventures were had at varied locations along the East Coast from Pennsylvania to Florida.

Bill had life-long passions for catching crabs in the summer and going to garage sales throughout the year. He approached these endeavors, as he did with all things, with great enthusiasm.  Nothing made him happier than coming home with a bushel of crabs, or hunting down a good bargain. Another life-long passion was rooting for the New York Yankees. Among the memorable games he attended over the years included: Mickey Mantle Day in 1969, Ron Guidry striking out 18 California Angels in 1978,  Dwight Gooden’s no hitter in 1996, and Alex Rodriguez’ 500 home run game in 2007. He was none too happy with the end to the 2024 season.  

Bill also had several celebrity encounters over the years. While driving a cab as a young man, he gave a ride to Jackie Robinson. During the time he was a truck driver, he met both Mickey Rooney and Sylvester Stallone. And one night while walking in front of Madison Square Garden, he shook hands with former New York Ranger great Rod Gilbert.

The family is forever grateful for the amazing care Bill received at Morristown Medical Center as he battled numerous heart issues over the last 20+ years.

In lieu of flowers please considering donating in Bill’s name to the Juan Soto re-signing fund c/o the New York Yankees, Bronx, N.Y. Alternatively, please consider donating to a charity of your choice in Bill’s name.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday November 11^th at 2PM at St. Joseph’s Church, 767 Prospect St., Maplewood. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2-6PM at The Jacob Holle Funeral Home, 2122 Millburn Ave., Maplewood. Interment is private.

For more information or to send condolences please visit jacobhollefuneralhome.com