John E. "Jack" Fitzgerald, Jr.

John E. Fitzgerald Jr., age 70, of Hampton, N.H., formerly of Wakefield, passed away peacefully in Newburyport on Wednesday, March 25.

Born in Boston on April 9, 1955, he was the son of the late John and Margaret (Laffey) Fitzgerald.

Known to many as Jack or Fitzy, he was a graduate of Wakefield High School and the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute. He was formerly employed by Russell-Stimpson Trucking Company and Seacoast Harley-Davidson.

A natural athlete, Jack was active in Wakefield youth sports in his younger years, with particular talent in hockey and baseball. An avid outdoorsman who was happiest by the water, he spent many summers at Lake Winnipesaukee and took great pride in caring for his camp in Effingham, N.H. He had a lifelong passion for mechanics and found great joy in rebuilding Harley-Davidson motorcycles and working on his Corvette.

With 39 years of sobriety, Jack was a dedicated member of Alcoholics Anonymous and Mean and Clean, communities that brought him deep peace and lasting friendships. He generously shared his story at meetings throughout the Seacoast and Wakefield, and volunteered his time speaking with inmates at the Middleton House of Correction, offering hope to those seeking a sober life.

Jack was the beloved husband of Kathleen Thomas of Hampton, N.H., and the loving father of Jaclyn Fitzgerald of Haverhill. He was the beloved brother of Margaret Fitzgerald and her husband, Marc Comstock, of Boston, and the late Jean Fitzgerald. He is also survived by his nieces, Melissa Hammond of Andover and Kara Ashley of Connecticut.

Funeral services will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in Jack’s memory may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Metro North to support local Wakefield youth programs. For more information, please visit www.bgcmetronorth.org.

Services are in the care of the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield.