Robert John Fitzsimmons of Perinton, NY, known to friends and family as “Bob” and “Fitz,” passed away May 22, 2021 at the age of 78 from complications following surgery.
Bob was born June 22, 1942 and grew up in Black River NY, the son of John B. and Julia (Meyers) Fitzsimmons. He and his friends spent their youth doing what most boys in small towns did back then, roaming the countryside, climbing trees, riding bikes, and building all sorts of things—including homemade rockets with fuel mixed from their chemistry sets. He attended Black River High School where he played basketball and baseball, as well as drums in the BRHS marching band. When the school district centralized he went to Carthage Central School, continuing his drumming for the CCS marching and concert bands, graduating in 1959.
Music was an early passion, along with automobiles and World War II aircraft which he taught himself how to draw. From there grew perhaps one of his greatest talents, his artistic creativity. Bob graduated from Mohawk Valley Community College and would go on to have a long and successful career as a creativedirector in Rochester, NY, working for agencies such as ICE Communications and Rumrill-Hoyt (Saatchi & Saatchi) before launching his own firm. By the time he retired, Bob had won multiple advertising and designawards and made countless friends all across the industry.
Bob was a quick wit and a master of self-deprecation. Humor is the mark of intelligence, he always said. If someone didn’t laugh at his jokes, well, they probably weren’t worth knowing anyway. He also was as sensitive and sentimental as he was funny, and the depth of his feelings came through in the beautiful abstracts he painted through the years.
Bob met the love of his life, Mary Ann Czoper of Carthage, NY, on a double date at a local diner. They married April 18, 1964, and moved to Rochester where Bob—the proud owner of a series of muscle cars—rarely turned down a challenge to a quick drag race between stoplights. Sometimes Mary Ann and friends were in the car; only once were Bob’s new in-laws in the backseat. The couple later settled into their first and only house in Pittsford, NY, where they often entertained friends and family.
In 1972, Bob and Mary Ann welcomed their only child, Kara, into the world, and Bob placed her squarely at the center of his life from day one. He shared his many passions with his little girl, including art and graphic design, photography, music (especially playing drums), their Irish green 1954 Jaguar XK120 roadster, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills and Syracuse Orange.
After Kara married Michael Fayne and moved to Montclair, NJ, Bob and Mary Ann made many trips to see them, picking up the pace after the arrival of their grandson Henry in 2004 and granddaughter Veronica in 2009. Bob loved watching them grow, writing on Post-it notes all they said and did, taking joy in everything no matter how small.
When his beloved Mary Ann died in 2011, Bob lost some of that twinkle in his blue eyes. In recent years, he spent much of his time on his back deck, watching the sunlight bounce off the water of the Erie Canal, smoking a cigar with a car magazine on his lap and his radio tuned to his favorite jazz station. The portable phone was always at his side; Bob and Kara talked every single day.
Kara, Mike, Henry and Veronica are devastated by the loss of their dad and grandpa, but they will carry his stories and love with them forever. Bob also is missed by his sister, Virginia (Frederick, deceased) Joels,brother and sister-in-law James and Mary Ann Fitzsimmons, and their families, including eight nieces and nephews he adored beyond measure; and friends far and wide who mourn this irreplaceable, beautiful soul who will be remembered for his humor, kindness, loyalty and talent.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held in the Rochester area later in the year. In his memory, donations can be made to Mercy Flight Central, Perinton Volunteer Ambulance Corps, or a nonprofit supporting one of his loves: jazz music, World War II history, or wildlife conservation.
“And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Comments
7 responses to “Fitzsimmons, Robert John”
Kara I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Bob and was a part of the “crew”… Harley, Gene, John Clifford, and more. This obit describes him perfectly and his gentle chuckles will be missed by many.
So many great memories of Bob and Mary Ann.Bob and I would go to race slot cars while Mary Ann and Connie would be at their apt. on Seneca Ave preparing German Chocolate Cake. Will miss him and still miss Mary Ann.
Fitz was a wonderful neighbor and a terrific friend! We knew to stay off topics where we disagreed, but shared many passions … cars, planes, music, art, pets, food. He was the only one who could trim our ornery cat’s nails! He would feed both cats when we were out of town; a cat who hid from everyone else would greet him at the door! Two days before his surgery, I took him for a “spirited” ride in my turbo charged BMW, a recent acquisition. We have his art on our walls and great memories in our hearts! Miss you, Fitz! Kurt & Gail
I just saw this about Bob’s passing today. He and I worked together for several years in the ’80s at ICE Communications. We shared a love of jazz and humor, and Fitz was a very witty guy. He was not a sports fan, but would pretend to be, saying things like, “Hey, the Canadiens really kicked the Oakland Raiders’ butts yesterday, huh?” He and I once went to Wegmans to buy competitor’s instant potatoes for a photo shoot showcasing French’s potato mixes. We loaded up two carts with Betty Crocker and other brands, tens of boxes. You could tell the check out girl was dying to ask what we were up to, but she did not. After we paid, and as we exited the check out, Bob turned to her and said, “We… just really like potatoes!”
Wonderful pictures. I am so sorry. Bob and Mary Ann were a special couple.
I just learned of Bob’s passing. We were the Carthage girls who hung out with the Black River “boys”. Maryann was one of my best friends, we lived on the same street, went to Catholic school cheer leaders too. I went to Bob and Maryann’s wedding. I will miss them both. Kara they will always be in your watching over their precious grandchildren.
On June 22nd I would have been calling to razz you again about being a year older than me, if only for 6 days. We’ve been friends from Grade 1 at BRHS to our graduation from CCS in 1959. Our years in Fairport at the height of the muscle car era were some of the greatest times ever. As poor as my fading memory is, I will never forget our lifelong friendship; the laughter and humor that never stopped, the drums, the cigars, the “Bullfrog”, the “Jag”, the picnics at Powder Mill Park, and the steaks BBQ’d on your back deck. Throughout my lifetime I’ve only had two best friends and you were one of them. I thank you for always being there and hope we’ll meet again some day.
Our deepest sympathy to Kara, Mike, Henry, and Victoria.