John W Fitzgerald

He attended Massachusetts College of Fine Arts (MassArt) attaining his BA in Art in 1953. His summer activities through high school and college included working at the nearby Wentworth by the Sea Summer Resort. He worked as the activities director planning social events. He served his country during the Korean War and was an instructor in the Army in Kentucky for which he received a distinguished service award.

After his honorable discharge from the armed services, he found work teaching art at Eastern Junior High School in Greenwich in 1955, and there, found his calling. John felt that a teacher should influence and exemplify - that art should develop awareness and sensitivity. His philosophy was that if students were shown and taught in this manner that they would not only be enriched but changed in a very real way. His enthusiasm and love for the art of teaching art was well received by both students and faculty.

In 1962 he was granted a sabbatical to pursue graduate studies at the Immaculate Heart College in southern California where he developed a lifetime relationship with famed artist Corita Kent. He received his Masters in Art in 1963 and returned to his position at Eastern.

In 1970 the district art director requested that Mr. Fitzgerald (Fitz) transfer to the Greenwich High School. In this capacity he created new classes, invited guest artists, and involved students in field trips to museums and galleries. Because of Fitz's creativity, enthusiasm, and love of art, the enrollment in art courses increased dramatically. After 34 years of teaching art, Fitz retired in 1989. He continued to enjoy his love of art, music, drama and the company of his friends.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate his life in the spring.