Fitzgerald remembered as man of compassion

PORTLAND – Whether they were union shipbuilders or political dignitaries, the hundreds of mourners came to bid farewell Tuesday to Duane “Buzz” Fitzgerald, the former president of Bath Iron Works who was remembered as a man who touched many lives.

Fitzgerald died Feb. 8 at Maine Medical Center following a two-year battle with brain and lung cancer. He was 62.

“This reinforces how much Buzz Fitzgerald has meant to Maine,” said U.S. Rep. John Baldacci as a long line of people snaked out from the Cathedral Church of St. Luke to the sidewalk.

During the 90-minute service, Fitzgerald was described as a man of integrity, compassion, honesty and humility, a devoted family man, an extraordinary civic servant and philanthropist, a man who loved Maine and cared about people.

The service featured readings by Fitzgerald’s son Matthew, his daughter Julie Botticello and Gov. Angus King Jr.

Fitzgerald’s son Jon, former state supreme court Chief Justice Daniel J. Wathen, Owen W. Wells, president of the Libra Foundation, and the former rector at Grace Church in Bath, the Rev. John S. Paddock, also spoke.

Many attested to Fitzgerald’s political clout and civic accomplishments, but those who addressed the congregation spoke more of his generosity and devotion to family.

Wathen told the congregation that Fitzgerald had a secret ingredient that made him so trusted.

“Buzz loved people,” Wathen said. “He wasn’t afraid to say it. And they loved him. That’s part of the lesson he leaves us with. We love you, Buzz.”

Jon Fitzgerald recalled his father as a person who worked hard – whether as a trial lawyer or at the helm of BIW – but also took time to recognize joy.

Even after his father was diagnosed with cancer, “he lived well,” spending time with family and friends and making new friends, some of them other cancer patients, Jon Fitzgerald said.

His father drew upon a seemingly endless supply of courage, compassion, humility and integrity to improve the lives of others, Jon Fitzgerald said. His father, he said, taught his children the value of showing love openly and generously, and they rarely parted without a sign of affection.

The service closed with “America the Beautiful,” one of Fitzgerald’s favorite songs, and a prayer for peace attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. At the front of the church was a large portrait of Fitzgerald. In it he is smiling.