Ellen A. Fitzgerald

Albany-Ellen A. (Radigan) Fitzgerald, 73, passed away Friday, October 31, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Her passing comes following a brief illness, which she fought bravely and with positivity. Ellen was born on May 15, 1952 at Brady Hospital in Albany, New York to loving parents, Nora and Frank Radigan. She was welcomed by her proud older brother, Billy, and later joined by five younger siblings, Cathy, Tricia, Frankie, Annie, and Margie. They lived happily together on Benson Street for many years. As a child, Ellen attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary School, where she met Connie Campbell, who quickly became her best friend and remained so throughout her life. After graduating from Vincentian Institute in 1970, Ellen began a career with New York State, where she made many friends and met many interesting people. She spent most of her career working in the Office of Disaster Preparedness at the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. In 2013, she retired from the State Emergency Management Office as a Computer Analyst. In her retirement she continued to work part-time for the State Emergency Management Office as a Disaster Assistance Representative. Ellen was the proud mother of three children, Bob, Michelle, and Rick Fitzgerald. She loved her children deeply and did everything she could to show them that they were loved and to make their lives better. Ellen’s most cherished role was as a grandmother to Michael and Nicholas Tropiano. Her grandsons were the lights of her life and she loved them beyond measure. Nothing made Ellen happier than spoiling her children and grandchildren at Christmas. Ellen loved peanut butter toast, PBS, a cool breeze, and the sun on her face. She made an incredible cheesecake and had strong opinions about how to load a dishwasher. She will be remembered fondly and with tremendous love. Ellen was predeceased by her parents, Nora and Frank Radigan; her son, Rick Fitzgerald; her brother, Frank Radigan; and her sister-in-law, Colleen Radigan. She is survived by her children, Bob and Michelle Fitzgerald; her grandsons, Michael and Nicholas Tropiano; her siblings, Billy (Judy) Radigan, Cathy (George) Vigars, Tricia (Dave) Shafer, Anne Radigan, and Margaret (Kevin VanNess) Radigan; her goddaughter, Katie Vigars, and her loyal canine companions, Nugget and Louie. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Ellen’s family on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 N. Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Her Funeral Mass will be Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 9:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 607 Central Ave (Rev John Bradley Way), Albany, NY 12207. Rite of Committal will follow immediately after at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY.. Contributions in Ellen’s memory may be made to WMHT at wmht.org/contribute. To leave a message for the family or view other helpful services please visit www.mcveighfuneralhome.com.

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Ellen A. Fitzgerald

May 15, 1952 - October 31, 2025