Longtime sports columnist for the Boston Herald, Joe Fitzgerald, passed away at 79-years-old Thursday.
Fitzgerald passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. He was survived by his three children, their grandchildren and his many lifelong friends.
Boston writer Joe Fitzgerald followed his dream
Fitzgerald grew up in the neighborhood of Roxbury in Boston, Mass., and graduated from Christian High School in 1962. He followed his dream of becoming a writer at Mass Maritime Academy.
His first job after college was in St. Johnsbury, Vt., where he would meet his wife Carol. He then went on to write for the Boston Herald for four decades.
His daughter, Kate Kelley, explained what writing meant to her father in an article from the Boston Herald, where Fitzgerald was known for his work
“He loved connecting with the people he wrote about. He never forgot a name or someone’s story and it was always so important to him to write with respect and integrity,” Kelley said.
The same Boston Herald article claims Joe Fitzgerald was always one of the first to offer to write an “Appreciation” article. If a “friend of the Herald” passed away, Fitzgerald would always write a heartfelt story himself or insist it gets done by the Boston Herald.
Joe Fitzgerald was a controversial Boston writer, but fans were still quick to give condolences
During Joe Fitzgerald’s four decades at the Boston Herald, he gradually transitioned from sports to opinion. Fitzgerald was an extremely devout man, and that showed in his writing. Fitzgerald was a controversial writer, but many fans were quick to give condolences when they learned of his passing.
RIP Joe Fitzgerald, a wonderful, devout man who loved newspapering and Boston. A great voice in the Herald for decades.
— Dan Shaughnessy (@Dan_Shaughnessy) March 9, 2024
So Sorry to learn of the passing of Joe Fitzgerald. always professional & a class act. He was always amazing as the MC @bostonpolice @BostonPoliceRA annual ball the way in which he told of the heroism and sacrifices of the families #RIPJoe https://t.co/0IvhCzEJZK
— Daniel Linskey (@ChiefLinskey) March 9, 2024
Had the opportunity to meet Joe on several occasions. Always a gentleman and class act. I loved how he always checked into the losing teams locker room. Brought out the human side of sports and life. A special man. Godspeed Joe.
— FreeThinker (@vigilantisempe) March 9, 2024
A true Boston sports legend and a throwback to when sports columnists (and radio broadcasters) were actually professionals who did their homework and knew their audience and gave them what they craved- a man for all seasons….
— JOHNNYBRAVO58🇺🇸 (@BJohnnybravo58) March 9, 2024
Fitzgerald reached many people through his columns with the Boston Herald. His visitation will be Mar. 14, 2024, at the Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home in Norwood, Mass.
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