Dec 19, 2024
Dr. James P. Fitzgerald
Dr. James P. Fitzgerald is retiring today after more than 37 years working in the Dunkirk-Fredonia community.
Colleagues and members of his family reached out to the OBSERVER to get some recognition for Fitzgerald’s incredible career.
“It is estimated he completed over 24,000 surgeries. He is a hometown legend that grew up in northern Chautauqua County and spent his whole profession serving the orthopedic needs of our local community,” according to Garret Boner, a co-worker.
Boner said Fitzgerald worked as an orderly at Brooks Memorial Hospital after graduating from Fredonia High School. Fitzgerald graduated medical school at Georgetown University, completed his residency at SUNY Upstate University in Syracuse, and finished his surgical training at SUNY Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine.
“He recalls his first day, July 1, 1987, at Lakeshore Orthopedic Group as the youngest surgeon in the practice; he started his first weekend of on-call that ended up lasting the entire summer covering four local hospitals,” Boner stated.
“It’s hard to find a patient that didn’t love Dr Fitzgerald,” Boner continued. “He is a witty man that never forgot a name – that’s what made him great. A one-of-a-kind surgeon that was always cool, calm and collected. It’s difficult to find anyone locally who doesn’t know someone that he has helped. He could make a connection with anyone. He took care of his staff the same way he cared for his patients at Lakeshore Orthopedic Group. He appreciates it takes a good team of employees to keep the practice running.”
Boner added: “Along with being a successful orthopedic surgeon, he is equally as successful as a husband and a father. His beautiful wife, Rose, and he raised four children to be proud of.”
Fitzgerald’s children wrote the following letter to him:
“As you approach the end of an incredible career spanning nearly four decades, we couldn’t let this moment pass without telling you just how proud we are of you and how much you’ve taught us along the way.
“Each of us have taken different paths in life, but we’ve carried with us the lessons you instilled in us: lessons of hard work, determination, kindness, compassion, and always doing the right thing by others. You taught us that success isn’t just about personal achievement but about the positive impact you have on others – and that’s a lesson we’ll always hold onto.
“We will always admire the dedication you have put into your career. The countless people you’ve helped in this community are a testament to your compassion, professionalism, and tireless work ethic. There were late nights, holidays spent at the hospital, and yes, more than a few soccer games missed (maybe on purpose–we know how you feel about soccer!) But even with all of that, you never wavered in showing us that family was, and always will be, the most important thing.
“Beyond your work, you taught us the importance of valuing relationships and appreciating everyday moments. Whether it was family dinners, reminiscing on old times or teaching us lessons through your actions, you reminded us to focus on what truly matters. Even during stressful times, you always encouraged us to stay grounded, not take ourselves too seriously, and always remember ‘this too shall pass.’
“As we reflect on your career, we are in awe of what you’ve accomplished. You have not only built a legacy as a professional but also as someone who genuinely cares for the people around him. The lives you’ve touched, the families you’ve strengthened, and the example you’ve set for us all will leave a lasting imprint on the community and in our hearts. You’ve not only been a role model to us as a dad but also to everyone who has been lucky enough to know you.
“Congratulations, Dad, on an amazing career! We love you more than words can say and are unbelievably grateful and proud to call you Our Dad!”
Boner wanted to end this article the way Fitzgerald ended his office visits, with the words “Right up to the bar there and they’ll get you checked out.”
“This community has big time gratitude for you and the medical care you have provided,” Boner said. “Thank you, Dr Fitz.”
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