Philip "Dan" FitzGerald

Philip Daniels (Dan) FitzGerald of East Sandwich, MA passed away peacefully at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston on November 7, 2025, at the age of 84. Dan was a loving husband; wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; a trusted friend; and the best cat-dad. He loved to fish, play poker, restore furniture, and spend time with his family, friends, and neighbors (and their pets!). He is truly missed and loved by all.

Dan and his twin brother, Bernard, were born in Keene, NH on June 16, 1941, joining their parents, Gerald and Dorothy, and their older brother Tim. Dan graduated from Keene High School, attended Plymouth State College, and then started his career in radiology. He retired after serving as the Director of Radiology at both Cardinal Cushing and Cape Cod Hospitals, for a combined 37 years. 

Dan met his wife of 56 years, Gail, in 1968, they were married in 1969 and soon welcomed three children–Darren, Meaghan, and Andrew. Dan’s life lessons, family stories, ‘dad sayings’, and loving, fatherly quirks will be long-remembered by his children:

In winter when you could see your breath in the room, Dan would tell us to just put on a hat and some socks to stay warm. 

After moving to a new town, Dan asked us if we had ‘seen anyone we knew’ on the first day of school.

Dan in the passenger seat with his hand on the emergency brake (just in case) when giving driving lessons.

The legendary antics of Spike & Buttons, Dan’s dog and cat he grew up with.

The Bank of Dad – which came with no interest rate and a simple application process.

No phone call needed to last more than 5 minutes, don’t answer the phone during dinner, and don’t call after 9PM.

Deeply transformative in Dan's later life was his heart transplant in 2008, which not only prolonged his life but profoundly affected his outlook. The gratitude he held for his donor, Eva, was immense, symbolized by her photograph that graced his dresser. This event propelled him to advocate vigorously for organ donation, working with Mended Hearts, Chapter #315 in Hyannis, MA.

Known as the “Mayor of Crestview” by his neighbors on Crestview Drive, he was always there to lend a helping hand. Need your cat watched? Need someone to keep an eye on your house when out of town? Need your plants watered? Dan always gladly said yes. In return, his many friends and neighbors were there for him and his family during his treatment. 

In gratitude to the many doctors and nurses who helped him throughout his life, Dan proudly donated his body to Harvard Medical School, so his legacy may teach and inspire our future medical professionals.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents Gerald & Dorothy; Tim’s wife Sandy; Bernard’s wife Patty; and his beloved cat, Jasper. He is survived by his wife Gail; son Darren & his wife Hannah; daughter Meaghan; son Andrew; grandson Kimble & his wife Emily; grandson Pender; granddaughter Quinn; great-grandson Hudson; great-granddaughter Harley; and his brothers Tim & Bernard. 

A Celebration of Life will be held in Spring 2026. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Dan’s name to the Cape Cod Chapter of Mended Hearts, at https://www.capecodmendedhearts.com/donate