John Rohde FitzGerald died on February 24, 2015 after enduring the devastating effects from Alzheimer's disease. John was born on June 26, 1927 in Danbury, CT to the late Anna Rohde FitzGerald and John Joseph FitzGerald. His strong work ethic and love of family was forged in his childhood after his parents lost their home during the Depression. They worked together to build a one room cabin in Danbury, CT on land that was considered junk property before the Connecticut Light and Power Company created Candlewood Lake to generate power. This one room cabin evolved into three winterized homes that together made for a wonderful family compound that continues to draw the extended family together. John graduated from Danbury High School in 1945 and then enlisted with the US Army. After attending Officer Candidate School he served in Korea and was discharged a 1st Lt. in 1947. He went on to graduate from the University of CT with Honors and then from the University of CT Law School to earn a Juris Doctor with the distinction of being first in his class. John's professional achievements are copious. He joined the Hartford law firm Davis, Lee, Howard, and Wright, which later, when John became a partner, became Howard, Kohn, Sprague, and FitzGerald. He actively practiced law for 48 years, mainly as trial counsel to a dozen major insurance companies, The Hartford County Medical Association, Southern New England Telephone Company, and United Aircraft Corporation, among others. He was a highly respected lawyer as acknowledged by the "Best Lawyers in America," the legal profession's premier referral guide. He was a member of the American Bar Association, the Connecticut Bar Association, and past President of both the Hartford Bar Association and the Manchester Bar Association. He served as Prosecuting Attorney for the Manchester Town Court. In addition, for 34 years, John shared his legal expertise as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Connecticut Law School. In his spare time, he co-authored two books: Connecticut Law of Torts, by Wright and FitzGerald and Connecticut Trial Practice, by FitzGerald and Yules. In addition to his professional accomplishments, John also honored his community by serving on various commissions and boards. He was president and three time member of the Manchester Charter Revisions Commission, member of the Democratic Town Committee, member of the Manchester Conservation Commission, and president of the Bennett (elderly) Housing Authority. He was President of the Manchester Jaycees and founding member and President of the Unitarian Universalist Society: East of Manchester. John's greatest love, however, was his family. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Beers, and they settled in Manchester, CT where they shared a long and happy marriage. He leaves behind his wife, three children, six grandchildren, three great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws who include: Betsy FitzGerald and Richard Didan, John Clayton and Debra FitzGerald, Ann FitzGerald and George McFee, John J. and Nicole FitzGerald, Karen and Jack Barry, Erin and Dexter Singleton, Carolyn and Barton Conant, Meghan McFee, Elizabeth and Christopher Pelletier, Gabriella FitzGerald, John S. FitzGerald, Ciara Barry, Jonice FitzGerald, Ardith Castruccio, Gloria Otley, Debra Gemme, Megan FitzGerald and Todd Edgington. He was predeceased by his brother William FitzGerald and sister-in-law Dorothy Beers. The FitzGerald family would like to thank Emeritus at Buckingham Estates in Glastonbury, The Homeaides LLC in Windsor, and the Connecticut Hospice Inc. of Branford for the professional and compassionate care they provided. Together they became our extended family who worked tirelessly with us to carry out John's final wishes allowing him to experience a peaceful passing. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on March 14, 2015 at the Unitarian Universalist Society: East, 153 Vernon St. Manchester, CT. In celebration of his wonderful life, family and friends are invited to share stories during the memorial service of how John's life intersected with theirs. If reticent toward public speaking, personal remembrances may be shared at www.tierneyfuneralhome.com or printed copies can be hand carried to the service. All stories will be bound into a book for John's family to cherish. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the CT Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org/ct, or by calling 1-800-272-3900, or by mailing to 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489. Donations may also be made to CT Hospice Inc. of Branford at hospice.com, or by calling 203-315-7684, or by mailing to 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405. The John F. Tierney Funeral Home, Manchester has care of arrangements.