Former BIW president dies at 62 Fitzgerald a champion of many Maine causes

PORTLAND – Duane D. “Buzz” Fitzgerald, former president of Bath Iron Works, died Friday morning at Maine Medical Center after a battle with brain cancer. He was 62.

Fitzgerald was the son of a shipbuilder and worked at Bath Iron Works from 1988 to 1996, serving the last five years as chief executive officer.

But Fitzgerald was known for more than just his accomplishments at the yard.

Just last month he was singled out for his lifetime achievements by Gov. Angus King during the governor’s State of the State address. Fitzgerald was taken to the rostrum in a wheelchair.

Fitzgerald was given a standing ovation after King presented him with the Governor’s Award for Extraordinary Public Service.

“He’s what we used to call a pillar of the community,” said King. “For my money, no one better epitomizes the spirit of Maine than Buzz Fitzgerald.”

Fitzgerald was a graduate of Bath’s Morse High School and Boston University, where he held three degrees, including both law and business.

He practiced law for 23 years, including a stint as BIW’s outside counsel, and in 1987 he joined the firm as executive vice president.

In 1988 he became president and chief operating officer. Three years later he took over as the firm’s chief executive officer, a post he held until 1996.

Former Chief Justice Daniel Wathen, a friend of Fitzgerald’s, said he will be remembered as a trusted friend to many people.

“The unusual thing about ‘Buzzy’ is that so many people felt comfortable and reassured about seeking his advice. I guess that’s why I would describe him as a brother, someone you felt comfortable going to,” Wathen said.

Owen Wells, president of the philanthropic Libra Foundation where Fitzgerald served on the board, remembered Fitzgerald as deeply committed to his family and a man of his word.

“The one word is integrity,” he said. “There isn’t a lawyer that I know of that wouldn’t talk about Buzz Fitzgerald’s integrity.”

Sen. Olympia Snowe lauded Fitzgerald’s commitment to the people of his home state.

“Buzz represented the finest ideal of public service and answered repeated calls to serve the people of Maine, whether in health care and national defense, or small business and law,” she said. “He advanced solutions to the state’s challenges without regard for partisan differences.”

And U.S. Rep. John Baldacci said, “I will miss his wisdom, his common sense and his strength of character. Maine has lost a true leader.”

Fitzgerald’s struggle with cancer was well known. Last May, he discussed it during his keynote speech at the 23rd annual Living with Cancer conference in Augusta.

He overcame self-pity and decided he had a lot to live for. “I can’t tie my shoes. But as long as someone’s willing to tie my shoes, I get along,” Fitzgerald said at the time.

Fitzgerald was survived by his wife, Sue; a daughter, Julie; sons Jon and Matthew; and four grandchildren.