It is with great sadness that the FitzGerald family announce the passing of their father, Bernard (Bernie) Pender FitzGerald of Colchester VT, on November 19th, 2025, at the age of 84. Bernie passed peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Bernie and his identical twin brother, Dan, were born in Keene, NH on June 16, 1941, joining their parents, Gerald and Dorothy, and their older brother Tim. Bernie graduated from Keene High School where he played football and baseball. One of his most cherished memories of high school was being an All-State football player on the 1958 undefeated state championship team. Bernie went on to college where he graduated from Plymouth State University with a bachelor's degree in education, Keene State College with a master's in education and the University of Vermont with an advanced graduate studies degree.

Bernie met his wife, Patricia (Patti) Evans of Manchester, NH in Keene and married in 1968. They raised 4 children together: Patrick Hogan (Hogie), John Evans (Jay), Brendan Conor (Dan) and Tynan Tucker (Ty). Before his passing, Bernie wrote part of this obituary, stating, "Patti, his talented wife of 45 years, was his best friend and love. He missed her every day and said good night to her every evening after she passed with a tear or two".

Bernie was a man with many passions, especially in the education world, where he was a teacher and principal for over 45 years. Bernie loved his boat. Fishing on Lake Champlain with family and friends brought him great joy. He also enjoyed his weekly coffee and poker meet-ups with his friends. Later in life, Bernie discovered a deep passion for running, going on to compete in over 400 road races, 50 triathlons, and 7 marathons.

Bernie was preceded in death by his beloved wife Patti, parents Gerald & Dorothy, his twin brother Dan and sister-in-law Sandy. He is survived by his son Hogie and wife Kate, son Jay and wife Jessica, son Dan and wife Addie, son Ty and his wife Nichole, grandchildren Madison, Sam, Coleman, Connor, Declan, Emily, Leah, Andrew, Gordie, his brother Tim and sister-in-law Gail.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Spring 2026. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bernie's name to the McClure-Miller Respite House Fund.

https://www.uvmhealth.org/give-back/give-to-uvm-health/give-to-home-health-hospice/areas-to-support#McClure-Miller-Respite-House-Fund