Ann C. Fitzgerald (née Caruso), daughter of the late Louis and Blanche Rossi Caruso, died peacefully June 21, 2021, at her daughter Maryanne’s home in Red Bank, surrounded by her loving family.
Ann was born July 13, 1937, in Red Bank and resided there her entire life. She was a proud graduate of Red Bank High School and Glassboro State Teachers College, where she met her husband, Martin J. Fitzgerald. They were married in 1959.
Ann knew early on that she wanted to devote her life to teaching children. She was a gifted teacher of math, algebra and technology for over 40 years, most recently at St. James School in Red Bank where she taught multiple generations of families for 38 years before retiring in 2012. She proudly received the honor of Distinguished Alumni of Red Bank Regional High School.
Ann loved her family, her friends, her students and the New York Yankees fiercely and loyally, although not always in that particular order. She could recall the names of her former students, their classmates and many of their antics years after they had graduated. She enjoyed her students immensely and they encouraged her wonderful sense of humor. Many would sneak visits back to St. James to catch up with her and make her laugh with them. Ann thought of them all as “her kids.”
Ann was predeceased by her parents Louis and Blanche, her devoted husband Martin, her sister Marie and her daughter Susan. She will be deeply missed by her children Maryanne Riegelman (Ben) of Red Bank, Beth Dinsfriend (Neil) of Marlton, and Louis “Buddy” Fitzgerald (Jessica) of Shrewsbury. She is also survived by her adored grandchildren Meghan, Suzanne and Benjamin “Jake” Riegelman, Samantha and Danielle Dinsfriend, and Emily, Madelyn and Sienna Fitzgerald, and her great-grandson Christopher Riegelman. Ann’s cherished extended family and friends who became family will hold her amazing spirit forever in their hearts.
Nana says, “Remember, she loves you more!”
A memorial gathering was held June 24 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 25 at St. James RC Church, Red Bank. Burial was private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Jersey Rett Syndrome Association, 417 Brickyard Road, Freehold, NJ 07728.
The article originally appeared in the July 1 – 7, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
