Obituary of Geraldine J. Fitzgerald

Geraldine J. Fitzgerald

Age 93, passed away on November 15, 2025 at the Wesley Nursing Home in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Parents, predeceased – Vincenzo and Assunta Leopardi
Siblings, all predeceased – Rachel Earley, Helen Pilgrim, Margaret Loparco, James Leopardi, Ronald Leopardi and R. Dawn Birdseye. Predeceased by her husband Joseph W. Fitzgerald Sr., her long-time companion Dr. Gregory Dodds and grandson Daniel Provost.

Survived by her children, Joseph (Maureen) Fitzgerald of Cortland, Maureen (Ken) Provost of Ballston Lake, NY and Nancy Brown of Elizabethtown, KY, grandchild Shawn (Bri) Ford of Tully and two great-grandchildren, Landen Ford and Grayson Ford, and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Gerri was born in Cortland on May 3, 1932 and lived her entire life in Cortland. She was a member of the Cortland Normal School class of 1950 and was a proud recipient of her GED in 1986.

Gerri was an extremely talented seamstress and crafter, having exhibited at local craft fairs over the years. Cherish the apron she may have gifted or sold you over the years. She lived independently until earlier this summer. Over the years, Gerri enjoyed employment with Cortland Works, H&R Block, Jones Jewelry Store, Alfred’s Jewelry Store, The Hosiery Shop, Newberry’s 5 & 10 and the A&P grocery store to name a few. Her volunteer activities included the Cortland Historical Society, hospital gift shop and local food pantry.

She was a devout Catholic and communicant of St. Mary’s Church, a past member of their funeral committee, adult choir and a 65+ year member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, having been named the Court Cortland 919 Catholic Daughter of the Year in 2008.

She was very proud that her pumpkin pies took first, second or third place ribbons at the fall Cortland Pumpkin Fest 2008-2012.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. The Christian Rite of Committal and Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

The family will be present to receive friends on Wednesday from 4- 7 p.m. in the Chapel of Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, N.Y.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.riccardifuneralhome.com