Roderick James Fitzgerald

Roderick James Fitzgerald (Rod), 72, passed away on Sunday, March 4, 2018 in Mansfield, TX. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin and friend to so many. Rod was born to Donald and Muriel Fitzgerald on August 8, 1945. He graduated from South Bridge High School in 1964 as an outstanding football player. He received a football scholarship to Kilgore College in Texas. Rod then attended Sam Houston State University until being called upon by the U.S. Army. He served in Viet Nam and then returned to Sam Houston State to obtain his degree. Rod was a teacher and coach in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Texas. He touched many lives during his career. Rod is survived by his wife, Beverly, brother, John Fitzgerald and wife, Sue, children, Angela Hammond and Jamie Wyatt and wife, Suzanne, brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, John Johnson and Sharon, Jerry Johnson and Nancy and his precious cousin, Martena Shea. His most precious possessions were his four grandchildren, Jackson, Luke and Tanner Wyatt and Allie Hammond. He taught them about fishing, sports and life. Rod had a large number of coaching and golf buddies that held a special place in his life. A large number of nieces and nephews were also important to Rod.