PITTSTON - John “Jack” “Doc” Stephen Fitzgerald Jr., 78, of Pittston, Maine, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at his home.

He was born in Milford, Massachusetts, on July 17, 1948, to John Stephen Fitzgerald Sr. and Jean Fitzgerald (Carter).

Jack lived a life rich with experience, dedication, and a deep love for his family. His journey was marked by service, compassion, and a zest for life that touched everyone he met. He was a man of many talents and stories, most of them true, and he had a passion for helping people, whether he knew them or not.

A proud Vietnam veteran, Jack joined the Navy at the age of 17, serving as a Corpsman with the Second Battalion Ninth Marines Hotel Company. His bravery and commitment were recognized with a Bronze Star for valor in combat, a Presidential Unit Citation, and a Purple Heart with gold star for wounds sustained during operations against communist insurgent forces. Following his distinguished military service, he dedicated his career to nursing, working with families and the mentally ill for many years. Jack was an activist for peace, participating in many rallies and marches, and could be seen riding around town on his motorcycle with his “NO WAR” license plate.

Jack was one of the luckiest men you’d ever met, surviving a critical wound and left for dead in Vietnam, as well as lung cancer, motorcycle and car crashes, and even a small aircraft crash in his backyard. He was a true social soul, known for his love of conversation and debate. He had a passion for travel, particularly to Mexico, was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, and had been a Ham Radio operator since boyhood. He loved camping, fishing, gardening, tinkering, and shopping on Amazon. He loved spending time with friends and family and had an immense love for his grandchildren.

Jack is survived by his wife, Margaret Fitzgerald, of Florida; his children Casey Milligan and husband Daniel, Meghan Fitzgerald-Black and husband Eddie, and Mahaila Guare; his brother Robert Fitzgerald and wife Donna; nine grandchildren; and two stepchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Joanne.

His family extends their thanks to the Togus home health care team, his P.S.S. Amanda Parker, and his ex-wife Judith Hannum for their dedication and compassionate care during his illness.

At Jack’s request there will be no formal funeral services. A Celebration of Life is planned for October, and at his request a memorial lawn sale will be held next summer. Friends and family are encouraged to share stories on Jack’s Facebook page.

Jack's legacy of kindness, his quirky sense of humor, his adventurous spirit, and his unwavering willingness to help others will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His stories will continue to echo in the hearts of those he loved. Semper Fi Doc Fitz.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, www.staplesfuneralhome.com