William H. Fitzgibbon

William H. Fitzgibbon, 88, of Columbia died peacefully at home on December 17, 2012 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 13, 1924 son of Thomas and Alma Fitzgibbon in Fitchburg, MA.

After graduating from St. Bernard’s HS in Fitchburg, MA Bill enlisted in the USNR and assisted in setting up a Repair and Overhaul Unit to service navel aircraft in the Philippines.

After returning from WWII he graduated from Fitchburg State College. Most of Bill’s teaching career was at Fitchburg State College, now Fitchburg University, from which he retired in 1986. He was a Professor Emeritus from the University where he served as a professor and administrator.

Bill is survived by his wife, Jewel of 66 years, a daughter, Mary Jill Evans and her husband, Michael of Columbia, granddaughters, Heather Evans of Washington, DC, Michelle Evans Schwartze and husband Aaron of Peoria, IL,  Christi Evans Kasmann and husband, Joseph of Denver, CO and a great-granddaughter, Emma Jewel Schwartze of Peoria, IL.  He is also survived by three sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews.  He was pre-deceased by an infant daughter, Donna, three brothers, Robert, Thomas, and Donald, and his mother and father.

Services will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Columbia on December 22, 2012 at 11:00 am with a Mass of Christian Burial.  Visitation and luncheon will immediately follow the Mass.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.