Raymond J. Fitzgerald, 83, of Cornwall was welcomed home by Our Lord Jesus September 6, 2024 at his home in New Windsor, beside his beloved wife Elizabeth (Betty).
Ray was born on April 9, 1941, and raised in the Bronx where his education included attendance at Cardinal Hayes High School, St. Gabriel Junior College in Lakewood, NJ, and Pace University in NYC. He was the son of the late Florence (Quinlan) and Raymond J. Fitzgerald Sr., and the brother of Florence (Bishopville, MD), and Lawrence (Murrell’s Inlet, SC). On October 16, 1965, Ray married his beloved Elizabeth (Scriven) and they began their life in the Bronx, before moving to the Hudson Valley.
Ray began his professional career as a forensic photographer and intelligence analyst with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and then as an Investigator for Equifax. He then served and retired as a Private Investigator and the owner of Bureau of Special Services for more than 35 years. Ray served in the U.S. Army from 1962-1966 with the 351st Psychological Warfare Unit and then the Army Reserves to finish his enlisted Service. He was an active member and past president of the Orange County Division 2 Ancient Order of Hibernians; American Legion Post 1796 in New Windsor; and active in numerous Private Investigative and Law Enforcement groups and organizations, and he was a member of the St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church
Ray is beloved and cherished by his wife, Betty, daughter, Karen (Gonyo) of New Windsor, Son-in-law Colonel (Retired) James C. Gonyo II and his loving Grandchildren Brendan, Meghan, and Hunter. Ray’s pets were always special to him, and he also was loved by Rosie and Roxy who were by his side with Betty as he made his way to the Lord. Ray was pre-deceased by his daughter Susan, and his parents Raymond Sr. and Florence.
A private family ceremony will be planned in the future to celebrate his life and his love of his family and friends. Private entombment will take place at a future date, at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY.
The family would like to thank the caregivers of Hospice Orange-Sullivan and Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital for their compassion and care. The family would also like to request memorial donations in lieu of flowers to the SPCA, or the American Cancer Society. To send a personal condolence, please visit www.brooksfh.com