Donald Carroll Fitzgerald

Donald Carroll Fitzgerald (CMSGT, USAF, retired) age 79, passed away peacefully at home under hospice care on Friday October 27, 2023, after courageous four-year battle with lung and brain cancer. Don was a native of Hollywood, Florida and a Yorktown resident since 1988.
“Fitz” was born in Philadelphia, PA, May 19,1944 to Matthew Carroll Fitzgerald, (Lt. USA ret) and Edna Ruth Fitterling Fitzgerald, both deceased. He was also predeceased by his brother David Evans Fitzgerald.
At an early age, the family moved to Hollywood, Florida. He graduated from Hollywood High School, class of 1962. He entered the US Air Force in 1965, were he completed two tours of duty in Vietnam, Thailand and Japan, serving as a hospital corpsman.
Upon returning from Vietnam, he was assigned to the Optometry field at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, followed by the US AF Academy, Colorado and then Langley AFB, Virginia.
Upon reaching the rank of Senior Master Sargeant, he cross-trained into the Contracting and Acquisition field at Langley. He retired after 24 years from the Air Force in 1988 as Chief Master Sergeant.
He continued into the Contracting field in civil service first at Ft. Monroe, VA and then retiring from Ft. Eustice, VA in 2006.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Christine Knysh Fitzerald of Yorktown, Virginia. They were married January 26, 1973 in St. Stephens Church, Pittsfield, Mass. He also leaves behind his brothers-in-law, Nicholas J. Knysh, Jr. (Alice) of Oklahoma City, OK and his family, and Peter P. Knysh, of Pittsfield, MA and his family, along with any nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Don’s family thanks all the doctors and staff at Riverside Hospital for the care they provided during his treatment. Thanks to Ashley, Taylor, Jenna, Tania at Riverside Hospice who provided amazing care.
Special thanks to all the friends and neighbors who have helped with his care. To Debbie and Ed, one couldn’t ask for better friends for being there when you were needed. A very special thanks to Robbie, who was there at a moment’s notice. You were all my angels in need.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Donald will take place on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 2:00pm at Amory Funeral Home. Calling hour will precede the service from 1:00pm – 2:00pm.
Burial with full military honors will follow at a date to be determined at Arington National Cemetery. Donations may be made to Animal Aid Society, Hampton, Virginia, a cause near and dear to his heart. Arrangements by Amory Funeral Home, Grafton, Va.