Fr. William E. Fitzgerald, C.Ss.R.

Fr. Bill Fitzgerald entered eternal life on November 01, 2022 at the age of 84 at Toronto Western Hospital. Born on August 26, 1938 in the Port City of Saint John, NB, to Edmund Alphonsus and Helen Margaret Fitzgerald (nee Corkery). Fr. Bill is survived by his brother Paul (Carole). His twin brother, Richard Joseph (Peggy), died in February, 2019. Fr. Bill is also mourned by his niece, great niece, his nephews, great nephews and cousins.

Fr. Bill professed first vows as a Redemptorist on August 22, 1958 & was ordained a Priest on August 29, 1964 at his home parish of St. Peter’s, in Saint John. After seminary studies, Fr. Bill was a hospital chaplain in Toronto for a few months before returning to St. Mary’s College. During those years, he was director of students, a professor of history and math, and coach of all the sports teams. When St. Mary’s closed, Fr. Bill began parish appointments at Holy Redeemer Parish in Charlottetown, PEI in 1968. For the next 35 plus years, he served as Pastor and Superior at four Parishes; in Windsor (St. Alphonsus), Saint John (St. Peter’s), Sudbury (Holy Redeemer) and Toronto (St. Patrick’s). During his parish appointments, Fr. Bill made an impact – from restoring the 120 year old art housed in St. Alphonsus Church in Windsor, ON to overseeing the construction of a new church and the renovation of the rectory at Holy Redeemer in Sudbury.

Fr. Bill continued to offer pastoral assistance throughout his retirement years. Known as an articulate and thoughtful homilist, he always managed to intermingle humour with the ever-important personal connection. In 2014, Fr. Bill celebrated his 50th Anniversary of Ordination at an outdoor Mass on the grounds of his home parish in Saint John, NB. For his family, friends and all who knew him, it was no accident that Fr. Bill died on All Saints Day.

Arrangements are under the care of Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home. Friends and Parishioners are invited to make visitation on Monday, November 07, after 3:30 PM with Vigil Prayers at 7:00 PM, at St. Patrick’s Church, 131 McCaul Street, Toronto. Mass of Christian Burial will also be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church on Tuesday, November 08 at 2:00 PM. (Viewing will continue on Tuesday, until 1:45 PM). Interment will take place the following day at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

The Redemptorists would like to thank the superb staff at Toronto Western Hospital for the care and compassion shown to Fr. Bill during his lengthy stay.