Dr. John M. Fitzsimmons

Dr. John M. Fitzsimmons, loving husband of Margaret “Peg” (Smith) Fitzsimmons died peacefully at home on January 1, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.  Born on January 25, 1933, in New Britain, CT, he was the son of the late Walter J. and Katherine (Dougherty) Fitzsimmons.  He spent his childhood in New Britain and settled in Kensington to raise his family.

John was an alumnus of St. Thomas Seminary in Hartford.  He received a BS from St. Michael's College in Winooski, VT.  He received his Doctor of Optometry Degree from the Illinois School of Optometry where he was a member of the Omega Delta Professional Fraternity.

He opened his optometry practice on Main Street in Kensington in 1959.

John was a former member of: the CT Optometric Association, Berlin Board of Education, Kensington Art League, Berlin Lions Club and Shuttle Meadow Country Club.  He was a past president of Peck Library Society, and a Corporator of Berlin Savings Bank. Later in life he enjoyed meeting up with his Monday Morning breakfast group.

John was a professional artist and continued painting until his recent illness. His landscapes and seascapes have been viewed in juried shows, exhibitions and galleries all over New England and in many private homes and commercial buildings in CT, most notably in New Britain, a city close to his heart. John also painted tens of thousands of army soldiers with authentic uniforms in their original colors. 

In addition to art, John was an an avid sportsman - enjoying tennis, golf, and paddle tennis.  He enjoyed summers at Misquamicut,

John married his beloved Peg, and together they built a life they loved, filled with family & friends, travel, Faith, Holiday gatherings, art, books and puzzles. They doted on their beloved pets...Maggie, Midnight, Spooky and Peaches. 

To list his many attributes would never capture the incredible man he was.

An Irishman, he left a legacy of humor, consideration, curiosity, Faith and love of beautiful sunsets.  And now, whenever we see a pleasing sunset, we will be reminded of John and when we were fortunate to be in his company.

Along with his parents, John was predeceased by his brother Dr. Robert Fitzsimmons, sister in law Kathleen Larkins & brother in law Arthur Smith. He is survived by his wife Peg (Smith) Fitzsimmons, His children: Ellen (Jim) Mahan, Susan (Tom) Faust, Jeffrey (Jill) Fitzsimmons, Brian (Micaela) Fitzsimmons, Stepsons Thomas (Sabina) Middlemass, and Peter Middlemass. He leaves his adoring Grandchildren: Danielle Roohr; Connor, Taryn, Will and Arianna Fitzsimmons; Samantha and AJ Faust; Michael and Elizabeth Fitzsimmons; Elana Middlemass; Jocelyn (AJ) Soucy, and Jeffrey and Jacob Thivierge.  Great grandchildren:  Brooke Moeremans, Dakota, Ryder and Easton Soucy. Sister in law: Anita Fitzsimmons. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends, especially Marsha & Ken Baker, MaryAnn and Larry Fagan, the Burnett families, and Ray Thivierge.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 11:30AM at St. Paul’s Church, 461 Alling St, Berlin.  Mass will also be live streamed: www.stpaulkensington.org/live   Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Britain. Masks and social distancing rules will be followed.

A celebration of his life will take place at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to:  The Connecticut Humane Society at Give.CTHUMANE.org.  Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin is in charge of arrangements. 

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