Barry Francis FitzGerald

On June 4, 2025, the North Shore lost a rare and inspiring light. Barry Francis FitzGerald of Danvers, Massachusetts passed away at 64 years old, far too soon for those lucky to have known him. Preceded by his mother and father, Patricia and Francis FitzGerald of Middleton,
Barry was a life-long learner, devoted family man, and tireless volunteer. His kindness rippled through every life he touched. His legacy—rooted in generosity, humility, and creativity—will be profoundly missed and forever cherished.

Barry leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 32 years, Patricia Denneler FitzGerald; his twin stepdaughters, Julie Carney and Sarah Carney Morrissey; his son-in-law, Michael Morrissey and his grandchildren Emily and Robert “Bo” Morrissey. Barry and Patty met through his recently deceased stepson, John “Jake” Carney, at the Danvers YMCA during a free swim. From that moment forward, Patty and her children became the epicenter of Barry’s world. He spoiled Patty with week-long birthday celebrations he liked to call, “Patty Fest” and took the kids to their first of many concerts to make sure music was an integral part of their lives. He nurtured a special bond with each child: sharing his love for the outdoors with Jake, his passion for knowledge and art with Julie, his wit and love for music and life with Sarah, and his enthusiasm for sports and craft beers with Mike. Patty will always remember Barry as the kindest human that ever lived, a sentiment most everyone who knew him would agree with.

There was no greater joy to Barry than being “Papa” to his grandchildren, Emily and Bo. Papa taught them how to swim and draw. He danced to pop music in the living room with Emily and obsessed over sports with Bo. He infused their life with laughter and unconditional love. Emily’s favorite memories of Papa include making root beer slushies, “hall ball”, and when they had an impromptu slap fight with slices of turkey. Bo will always remember his 6am sessions with Papa to catch-up on baseball stats and what the day may bring. Bo still giggles at the memory of seeing a raspberry candy in a store, giving it a squeeze and saying, “Ooh, that’s soft and squishy!” only for Papa to grin and reply, “Just like me.” They will both miss the annual Birthday art that Papa would draw for them, featuring cartoons of their favorite shared memories from that year. Papa was their favorite person, and they were his favorite people.

Barry’s sister, Maura FitzGerald of Swampscott, her husband Bill Tierney, and their children Dylan, Andrew, and Calum will miss him dearly. Before his sister was old enough to drive, Barry would take her to the Museum of Fine Arts or out for Greek food or anywhere else she couldn’t get to on her own. He would spend a day teaching his nephews to swim; he braved the crowds and brought his siblings to see Star Wars on the day it opened in theaters; and he’d take whoever was around for an ice cream on a hot summer evening. The time he gave across the decades has left them with a lifetime of memories.

Barry’s brother, John FitzGerald of Middleton, his wife, Karen, and their children Caitlyn and Ashley will always remember Barry for his gentle soul, cleverness, and compassion. Karen is still recovering from all of the practical jokes he would play on her when she first started dating John. Caitlyn inherited her passion for drawing from her uncle, fondly remembering Barry as the one who gifted her her very first set of premium art tools—an encouragement that shaped her love for creating. Ashley thinks of Barry as the kind of person who could fill any room with laughter through his perfectly timed one-liners and quick wit.

Barry was a volunteer and member of the Danvers YMCA Board of Directors, giving back to the place where he met his wife and children. He made popcorn for kids after classes earning him the nickname, “Popcorn King.” He was an officiate for swim teams, and helped to start the kid’s water polo course.

As a curious intellectual, Barry studied criminal justice, psychology, religion, philosophy, martial arts, art, music, and so much more. He earned bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in psychology from Westfield State University, an Emergency Medical Technician certification from Northeastern University, and studied philosophy at UMass Boston just for fun (or as he would say, for “self-enrichment”). He was a security guard at Endicott College, where he adopted his first dog, Cagney, whose loveable personality mirrored his own. Barry later graduated as a registered nurse through Lawrence Memorial Hospital’s Regis School of Nursing, embarking on a career in psychiatric nursing. In 2015, he was honored as a recipient of The DAISY Award®, a prestigious award given to those who are nominated by patients, families, and co-workers to recognize exceptional care and kindness in nursing. One co-worker shared, “I have learned so much working alongside Barry. Not only about psychiatry, but about what it means to be a team player and to give from the heart.”

In addition to being a sponge for information, Barry had a passion for art. He was the family cartoonist, bringing memorable moments to life with whimsy. Barry dabbled in painting and whittling, but would most often be found sketching. He would model for many art associations, colonies, and courses across the North Shore to support the local art community. His family feels so fortunate to have been given sketches and drawings of him throughout the years from various artists to keep his artistic memory alive.

Barry was an avid participant in martial arts, earning black belts in numerous disciplines. Filipino art of Arnis was his favorite, and he shared his knowledge as an instructor at the Salem Martial Arts Center. His most recent certification in Irish O’Mordha Faction built on his Arnis practice while paying homage to his heritage.

He fully embodied the spirit of Santa Claus, volunteering as St. Nick for the Cabot Theatre in Beverly, the Danvers YMCA, neighborhood gatherings, and parties. With his deep laugh, twinkling eyes, and genuine warmth, he brought magic to every kid visited.

Barry believed that all forms of life deserve love, security, and opportunity. He adopted pets from local shelters and treated them to the most incredible lives possible. He felt strongly about equal rights for all, no matter race, gender, preference, ethnicity, or ability. And he lived his life accordingly, with open arms, to all who needed him.

His loss is something his family will carry forever. He was a truly remarkable human being, a gentle giant, and an irreplaceable rock in their lives.

Finis vitae sed non amoris.
“Lost in life but not in love.”

His funeral services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers and to honor his memory, please consider giving back to your community, local animal shelter, or make a donation in his memory to the Danvers YMCA .