Daniel Fitzgerald

Daniel Fitzgerald of Naples, Florida, formerly of Natick, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025.  He spent his final weeks with his wife by his side, entertaining the many family members and friends that visited and called him while he persevered through a difficult illness.  Despite declining health, his irrepressible sense of humor, quick wit and warmth never left him.

Dan is survived by his devoted wife, Constance (Connie) Lorion Fitzgerald; loyal brothers Frank E. Fitzgerald and his wife Kathleen of Estero, Florida, Thomas Fitzgerald of Wilmington, Vermont, Paul Fitzgerald of Wayland, Massachusetts and James C. Fitzgerald and his wife Anne of Natick, Massachusetts; loving children, Kelly Fitzgerald Lackner and her husband Steven of Fairfield, Connecticut, and Daniel B. Fitzgerald and his wife Kristen, also of Fairfield. He enjoyed close relationships with Connie’s siblings Diana Lorion of Tampa, Florida, Charlene and Brian Dalrymple of Taunton, Massachusetts, and Michael and Sandy Lorion of Indio, California. The lights of his life were his granddaughters, Abby, Emma, Quinn and Keira, who were magic to him.  Dan is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

The son of the late Francis E. Fitzgerald and Irene Fitzgerald, Dan was born on February 7, 1949 and grew up in Natick on the shores of Lake Cochituate’s South Lake.  He graduated from Natick High School in 1967, where he played football and continued the Fitzgerald brothers’ tradition of wearing jersey number 70.  Dan went on to graduate from North Adams State College, where he met Connie at orientation and enjoyed 54 wonderful years of marriage. 

After beginning his career as an English teacher in Petersburg, New York, Dan returned to Natick and embarked on a career with the Hartford Insurance Company in Boston, starting as a claims adjuster.  Shortly thereafter, his career took a new direction when he helped establish the company’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU).  Dan thrived in this role, using his natural curiosity and sharp intellect to discover instances of insurance fraud.  He rose to the position of Director of the Hartford’s Insurance Fraud Unit, which brought him and Connie to South Windsor, Connecticut.  During this time, he received the company’s Chairman’s Award and was elected and proudly served as President of the International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU).  Dan developed remarkable friendships through The Hartford and IASIU which continued through the end of his life.

Boating was a lifelong passion which brought Dan to various waterways from Lake Winnipesaukee to Bass River to Long Island Sound to Naples Bay.  Dan owned and captained many boats, including a red 1965 Glasspar G3 that he bought at the age of 16 and owned for nearly 60 years.  His boat handling skills were without peer.

Dan will be most remembered for his connection with his family. He was the family historian and never missed a birthday, anniversary or special date. Some of Dan’s happiest days were spent “down the lake” with his parents, brothers, children and nieces and nephews for full days of boat rides and waterskiing followed by a family cookout.  He was very close with his daughter and son, to whom he often dispensed invaluable advice which was usually proven correct.  Dan’s personality truly shined with his granddaughters, each of whom enjoyed a special relationship with their “Papa”, characterized by special handshakes, gag toys, and constant laughter.  He never failed to bring a smile to their faces.   

Dan was a proud stem cell transplant survivor, which extended his life by 10 years, and he was eternally grateful to his donor.  In retirement, Dan and Connie moved to Naples, finding idyllic weather and a community which they loved.  He easily made friends with his larger than life personality and distinctive Boston accent.  Many of these friends became family to Dan and Connie and helped sustain him during his final weeks. 

Dan’s family would like to recognize and thank all of the exceptional caregivers who have taken care of him and supported his loved ones over the last few months.

Funeral from the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home 4 Park Street Natick Common on Monday March 10th at 9am.  Followed by Funeral Mass in St. Patrick Church 44 East Central Street (Rt. 135) Natick at 10am.  Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.  Interment St. Patrick Cemetery, Natick.  Visiting Hours on Sunday March 9th from 2-5pm in the funeral home.   

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dan’s memory to the HealthWell Foundation, 20440 Century Blvd., Ste. 250, Germantown, MD 20874, which works to reduce financial barriers to care for patients with chronic or life-altering diseases.  For directions and guest book please visit www.everettfuneral.com

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