Harry Fitzsimmons

Harry Stine Fitzsimmons Jr. - October 6,1932 - September 14, 2025

Born and raised in Ridgewood New Jersey and working on farms in his youth, Harry developed a love of animals, went on to complete college with a bachelor's in Animal Husbandry. After completing college, he took a different path and joined the Navy to become an accomplished Naval Aviator, met a girl named Eleanor, got married in 1956, and started a family, becoming "Dad" to four kids, Bob, Bill, Tom, and Susan. He is survived by Robert Fitzsimmons of Rogue River, Oregon, Bill (Ladan) Fitzsimmons of Yucaipa, CA, Tom (Ginny) Fitzsimmons of Yucaipa, CA, and Susan (Tim) Ralph or Norco CA. He was the proud grandfather of Steven and Patrick Fitzsimmons, and Justin and Rachael Ralph.

Harry distinguished his Naval Aviation career with flying patrols in anti-submarine warfare, supplying the carriers in the Mediterranean with Carrier on-board Delivery, Navigation and Advanced Instrument Instructor ratings, flying the original 7 astronauts from Jacksonville Florida up to Norfolk Virginia, and managing the Air Operations in Corpus Christi Tx and in Fallon Nevada as Commander. After 21 years in the service, Harry retired from the Navy and started his own business as a roofing contractor and later owning and running his own real estate Help-U-Sell franchise.

Harry's love of life found him building his new country home in Oregon, surrounded by nature, gardening, and animals, his family, his church, and his golfing buddies hitting the links every week or chance he could. Working on his game and even getting his teaching license as a registered golf pro, he enjoyed giving weekly lessons at Gold Hill. Ever the perpetual gardener, Harry nurtured his small orchard and big garden, feeding the deer, some by hand.

Deeply spiritual, Harry studied the scriptures on a weekly basis, attending church regularly, nurturing fellowship with others and lived a very contented and happy life founded in his beliefs in God.

His wife Elly was his partner throughout their almost 60-year marriage until her passing in 2015. From the start of his family, Harry spent time with his kids teaching them how to swim, ski, golf, sail, hunt, fish, socialize with others, have a sense of humor, and be responsible and adventurous people by his own example. Always supporting, and yet critical when needed, Harry showed his love for his family in so many uncounted ways.

Harry's family was by his side caring for him in his last days in his own home when he passed on September 14, 2025. Having a sense of humor and courageous even to the very end he made us laugh when he could. Some of his last words were "I've had a great life and a great family" and "I'm ready."