Mr. Brian R. Fitzgerald “Fitzy”, 65, of N. Utica, passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at his home, with his loving family by his side. Brian was born in Utica on May 31, 1955, the son of Philip and Marjorie (Baker) Fitzgerald. He was raised and educated in Utica and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. On August 7, 1982, Brian was united in marriage with Jolene M. Appler at Sacred Heart Church in Utica. For many years Brian was employed with Mohawk Valley Water Authority; after retirement he also worked for the UCSD. Brian was a huge hockey enthusiast, and an avid Philadelphia Flyers, Utica Comets and NY Yankees fan. He was the President of the Utica Pro Hockey Alumni Association as well as an assistant trainer with the former Utica Devils. Brian also belonged to the SAC Club of Utica and St. Francis Di Paola of Frankfort. Brian could often be found doing work around his yard, pouring concrete, or digging with one of his machines. He enjoyed country music and loved his oldies. Brian was the life of the party. His infectious smile was enough to light up a room. He could tell a story like no other and would give the shirt off his back for anybody. Family was most important to Brian, especially his wife and three adored daughters, his “sons” and his grandchildren, who were the light of his life. Brian is survived by his beloved wife, Jolene; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Deanna and Peter Calabrese of Whitesboro, Jennifer and June Ramos of Utica and Brianne Fitzgerald of Utica; seven cherished grandchildren, Mia, Zoey and Vincent Calabrese, Santino, Camila and Angelica Ramos and Nova Maddox; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathleen and Todd Fischer of Saratoga and Mariann and Rob Munson of Utica; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Mike and Sandy Fitzgerald of Utica and Steve and Toni Fitzgerald of Utica; in-laws, Joe Appler and Jen of Utica and Jackie and David Petrowski of Myrtle Beach, SC as well as several nieces, nephews and dear friends to numerous too mention, who meant the world to Brian. He was predeceased by his parents, Philip and Marjorie and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Arlene Appler. Brian’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Our lady of Lourdes Church, 2222 Genesee St., Utica, where his Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. His Rite of Committal and burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Yorkville. Visitation for family and friends is Monday, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica. All Covid-19 protocols must be observed. Those wishing to make a donation in Brian’s memory, please consider the Wilmot Cancer Center and Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY or Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Brian’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Arpan Patel, Dr. Michael Milano and Dr. Joseph Wizorik from Strong Hospital and the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., New Hartford, for the wonderful care and compassion you provided to Brian and his entire family. “What I Say”