John Daniel Fitzgerald, Sr., 89 years old, of Panama City, FL, formerly of Groton, CT passed away on 22 February 2025 at the Clifford Chester Sims Veterans Home, Florida attended by his great granddaughter, Alivia M. Bastine.

John was born 21 August 1935 in Chatham, VA and was a retired United States Navy Veteran. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Rosa Marie (Brown) Fitzgerald on October 2005.

John will be remembered for his dedication to family, his service to his country, his love of peanut butter and the lasting impact he had on those who knew him.

John is survived by his children Curtis (Cheryl) Fitzgerald, Sr. of North Carolina, Kim (Attila) Letai of  Florida, Joyce (Reginald) Vanstory of Connecticut, Toni Fitzgerald of Florida, John Fitzgerald, Jr. of Connecticut, Leanne Wright of Florida, his sister Pearl Fitzgerald of New York, eleven grandchildren and several great and great-great grandchildren.

John was predeceased by his parents Daniel and Nannie Pearl (nee Hightower) Fitzgerald.  His daughter Lesley Anne Smith of Pennsylvania, grandson Curtis N. Fitzgerald, Jr. of North Carolina,  great grandson Matthias Fitzgerald, Evelyn Fitzgerald and Nancy Fitzgerald of New York and two nephews.