Music lover who had a passion for cars
MELROSE — James W. “Figbar” Fitzgerald lifelong resident of Melrose passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 2 at age 70.
Jimmy was born in Medford on February 13, 1954, the son of the late James E. Fitzgerald and Patricia A. (Wolsey) Fitzgerald. A Melrose native, Jim maintained numerous friendships and connections from his days at Melrose High School, Class of 1973. He was bestowed the nickname Figbar by his father for often keeping fig newtons in his pockets as a young boy. The nickname stuck and for the rest of his life all who knew him lovingly referred to him as “Figbar.”
Jim worked two jobs for over 25 years. At night, he was a Dam/Bridge Operator on the Mystic River for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation. During the day, he was well known as everyone’s favorite “bug man” with Kane Pest Control, passionately offering his help and expertise to his customers and friends for decades around Melrose. During the winter, Figbar also worked many years as a plow operator for the City of Melrose.
Always social, Jimmy enjoyed meeting up with his buddies at a local restaurant or catching a car show or air show around the North Shore. Jimmy enthusiastically enjoyed his passion for cars, especially his favorite Corvettes which he often reminisced about from his younger days. A music lover, he played the drums in in his youth and enjoyed rocking out to Classic Rock while driving around Melrose.
If you knew Figbar, you knew he was one-of-a-kind. He was equally parts quirky and fun loving, but passionately himself and endeared himself to all with a simple down to earth way. Often on island time and island mindset, he was famous for late arrivals but arrived ready to share a laugh, reminisce and reconnect and warm the hearts of those around him. Jimmy was more than willing to help out, never expecting anything in return.
Above all, Jimmy was happiest with his beloved daughters who he was obsessed with. He was most recently the proud grandfather of Owen who he enthusiastically took to Disney World twice in his two short years of life. He also never missed a chance to (over) feed his grand-dogs who he loved.
Jimmy was beloved by many and will be deeply missed, but always lovingly remembered for his big heart, great sense of humor and love for family.
Jim was the devoted father of Jillian O’Brien and her husband Sean of Peabody and Melanie Arsenault and her husband Robert of Peabody. Proud grandfather of Owen O’Brien. Also survived by many loving aunts, cousins and friends.
Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to gather in honor of Jimmy’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, January 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. and again on Thursday morning at 9 a.m. before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1055 Main St., Wakefield for his funeral Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Gifts in Jim’s memory were made to the American Heart Association, 93 Worcester St., Wellesley, MA 02481. For online tribute please visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
