Mary Eileen Fitzgerald (January 17, 1923 - May 19, 2021)
Visitation:
John Krtil Funeral Home
1297 1st Ave
New York, NY 10021
Sunday, May 23, 2021
2pm-5pm & 7pm - 9pm
Funeral Mass:
Monday, May 24, 2021
10am at St. John Nepomucene (66th St & 1st Ave)
Burial:
Monday, May 24, 2021
11:45am St. Raymond's Cemetery (Bronx, NY)
On May 19, 2021 Mary Eileen Fitzgerald, pioneer resident of Rivercross, passed on to her reward at 98 years of age. After signing a lease in 1976, she eventually moved into Rivercross. At that time Mary was still working for the New York Police Department (N.Y.P.D.). In 1952 she was sworn into the Department and was considered a pioneer in the field of police work for women. In 1952 there were not many female officers serving the City of New York. She and the other policewomen were called trail-blazers. She herself had never seen or heard of women police prior to her entrance into the Police Department. A friend, referred to by Mary as her “angel friend”, encouraged her to take the entrance examinations which she met with success. Until approximately 1969 policewomen were not permitted to take promotional exams just because they were women. The only way women were given recognition for dedicated and professional police work was by appointment to the grade of Detective as a promotion, which Mary achieved.
Mary was a life-time resident of New York City, having been born in the Bronx to parents who immigrated from Ireland. She was the only survivor of four children, and unfortunately her father died suddenly in 1938 in the heart of the Great Depression. With the values instilled by their father and with their wonderful mother at the helm, they survived the Depression. They had learned from both parents the values, the confidence, and the will to prepare them for life. They were taught by example always to “give back” to friends, their community and to great causes.
After Mary retired from the N.Y.P.D. in 1983, she remained active in volunteer work on Roosevelt Island and also in Manhattan. She volunteered for the Cabrini Thrift Shop, the Homeless Shelter at Good Shepherd, the R.I. Historical Society, St. Frances Cabrini Parish and Byrd Coler Hospital Auxiliary. She also volunteered for Catholic Charities preparing layettes for needy mothers-to-be, at memorial Sloane-Kettering Hospital, the Mary Manning Walsh Home and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
In 2018, Mary was recognized as a New York State Woman of Distinction by the New York State Senate.
She is survived by her nephews, Peter, Mark, Paul, and Vincent; a niece, Jeanne; two grand-nieces, Lauren and Marissa Fitzgerald; and a grand-nephew, John Fitzgerald. The Quality of Mary’s Life was extended by her loving caregivers: Maritza, Blanca, Kamo, Shalini.
Visitation will be at John Krtil Funeral Home on Sunday May 23, 2021 from 2pm-5pm & 7pm-9pm. Mass of Christian Burial 10AM on Monday May 24, 2021 at St. John Nepomucene Roman Catholic Church (66th St & 1st Ave). Interment to follow at St. Raymond’s Cemetery Bronx, NY at 11:45AM.
*En lieu of flowers donations to the St. Francis of Assisi Breadline, which has been distributing food to the Homeless on a daily basis since 1930, may be sent to St. Francis of Assisi, 135 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001 #212-736-8500.
New Title
IN MEMORY Nestor Benjamin Zapata Passed Jan 15, 2026 Born June 28,1932 Resided Nyc, NY Nestor Benjamin Zapata went home to the Risen Jesus on Jan 15, 2026 at age 93. Nestor was born to Nestor Zapata Sandoval and Anita Vinck on June 28, 1932 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. As a Child, He excelled in school, theater and sports. With leading roles in plays at George Washington H.S. IN Washington Heights, NYC. He was also an avid baseball and basketball player. He loved playing golf with his friends. He also was an excellent ice skater that few PR's can do. Nestor met his 1st wife, Connie at a church dance. They married two years later and went on to have four children, Nestor, Michael, Laura and Christina. Also many Grandchildren as well Great-Grandchildren He later met his current wife, Grace and married Nov 5, 1999. They loved going to meetings to celebrate the gift of sobriety. As well as helping many people along the journey. They also enjoyed going to Lincoln Center, Radio City and Broadway. Seeing Hamilton twice! They acquired an incredible taste for NYC Cuisine. In addition to being a dedicated father, Nestor also loved the NY Yankees and NY Giants, also staying active in AA & holding various roles at the church. He also will be remembered for umpiring little league on Roosevelt Island. He held an unwavering faith in God, which He shared with those who surrounded him.
Viewing Thursday December 18th, 2025 9:00 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. Funeral Mass Church of St. Monica 413 East 79th Street New York, NY 10075 Thursday December 18th, 2025 10:00 A.M. Private Cremation In Lieu of Flowers Donate to St. Jude https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
Donna M. Hamilton, a beloved mother, was born on December 27, 1943 in Kansas City, MO and peacefully passed away in the early evening of October 31, 2025. Donna’s faith guided her outlook to motherhood and to life. Donna grew up throughout the state of Texas. After graduating high school, her family moved to Washington, D. C. She eventually met and later married Vernon Hamilton (1930-2014); they had three children. Donna enjoyed participating in her church's events, embroidery, watching Hallmark movies, and most of all being with her family and friends. She had a beautiful smile and a kind, friendly personality that was noticed by everyone. Donna retired from New York Presbyterian Hospital after working as a Physician’s Assistant for over 35 years. She worked in the ambulatory surgery and plastic surgery departments, but her passion was in plastic surgery. Donna was phenomenal and highly respected in her field and often would be called upon to help the student physicians. Donna is survived by her three children: Scott, Melody, and Todd, an older brother, John Scott, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandson, Hamilton, who lived nearby, was often at her apartment visiting, going to the store for her when it became too difficult, or trying to keep her spirit up. Donna was loving, kind, charming, and unforgettable. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and she will continue to inspire us all. Two quotes that our mother always told us (and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren): “treat others the way you wanted to be treated” and “do not compare yourself to others because for always there will be greater and lesser persons than you.”