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January 31, 2008

Remembering a champion for education

By Judy Wakefield

Andover continues to mourn Frederick "Fred" Fitzgerald, the founder of the nonprofit Andover Fund for Education, known for his deep commitment to education in Andover.

Fitzgerald died Monday, Jan. 21, at Academy Manor nursing home in Andover. He was 94 and formerly lived on Central Street with his beloved wife of 67 years, Betty.

Fitzgerald was an avid walker who could often be recognized downtown by the Patriots jacket he wore in cold weather.

A Columbia University graduate and avid reader who family members said recently wowed visitors with a recital of the 238-line Tennyson poem, "Locksley Hall," Fitzgerald was a big believer in maintaining the quality of Andover's public schools. He was considered a champion for teachers and was never one to seek big headlines or recognition.

Bill Dalton, former selectman and town moderator, worked with Fitzgerald on a town government study group in 1970-71.

"He was the quiet guy who did more work than anyone and who was able to synthesize others' ideas," said Dalton. "He made it all easy for the rest of us. He was a very smart man."

"I don't think he had a mean bone in his body," said Jim McConaughy of Andover, director of enrichment at the Greater Lawrence Educational Collaborative. McConaughy is also the current president of the Andover Fund for Education, which Fitzgerald founded in 1991.

"He had so much passion, was so appreciative of people," said McConaughy. "He was truly a gentleman and a scholar and it was inspiring to be in a meeting with him."

AFE is best known for its grants awarded to public school teachers every year. Typically worth about $3,000 each, the grants encourage teachers to come up with innovative curriculum ideas. AFE has so far awarded a total of 180 grants, McConaughy said.

The group also hosts a popular adult spelling bee to raise money each year in town. Another popular AFE fundraiser encourages students to recognize a favorite teacher by making a donation to AFE during the holidays.

"It was a pleasure to know him," McConaughy said, adding that Fitzgerald had faithfully attended and contributed to all meetings during the eight years McConaughy has been involved.

Every year, AFE awards a $1,000 scholarship named for Fitzgerald to a local high-schooler. That scholarship goes to a student who exemplifies Fitzgerald's love for learning.

Mary O'Donoghue, who served as AFE president before McConaughy, remembers Fitzgerald's contributions.

"He was very well read and just so interesting," she said. "At his service, it was said that a lot of people still expect to see him walking around town. So many knew him."

Former Selectman Jerry Silverman, who was involved during the early years of AFE, called Fitzgerald "a champion for teachers."

Fitzgerald's dream may have been a bit lofty as he pledged to make AFE a key money-maker for public schools. While that didn't happen, he stayed committed to his cause.

Silverman said a lot of people may not remember, but Fitzgerald served one term as a School Committee member back in the 1960s.

Sen. Sue Tucker, a former teacher, worked with Fitzgerald during the early days of AFE and now she is a member of the Andover Coalition for Education. She called Fitzgerald "one of my favorite people."

"You cannot help but smile when you remember Fred. He was always cooking up ideas," she said. "Andover was blessed to have his talent and energy. ... He was just a joy."

Fitzgerald was honored in December 2005 for his contributions to education in town. The well-attended event was held at Memorial Hall Library and a long list of luminaries in local education, including past and present school superintendents, were among the guests.

Fitzgerald, who owned and operated MT&I Co., which made industrial tools, also served on several town boards, including the Andover Finance Committee, the town's election polls group, the Andover Historical Society and St. Matthew's Lodge AF&M, Andover. He was also active at Free Christian Church in Andover, where his memorial service was held last Saturday.

In addition to his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" (Croy) Fitzgerald, members of his family include three daughters, two sons-in-law, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Arrangements were by Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home in Andover.

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Remembering a champion for education
by By Judy Wakefield , , Thu Jan 31, 2008, 04:25 AM EST
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