Saratoga Springs, NY Raymond A. Fitzgerald, Jr. (Beaver) passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at Saratoga Hospital. He was 56. Born on October 3, 1955 in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Raymond A. and Rosemarie Rocco Fitzgerald. Affectionately known as Beaver to his family and friends, he was a self-employed carpenter and a jack-of-all-trades, as well as an avid fisherman and loyal friend to all who knew him. Despite the great adversity he experienced growing up in the Hawley Home and Vanderheryden Hall, he always seemed to find the silver lining of life amidst sometimes dark clouds with his quick and incisive sense of humor. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away. Beav, those of us who loved you lost our breath on numerous occasions, and most of those times, with laughter. For that, we will truly miss you. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his life-long partner, Michelle Bailey earlier this year. Survivors include his daughter Meghann Fitzgerald; his brothers, Francis Michael and Guy Fitzgerald; his sister, Patricia Decker; his beloved grandchildren, Ray and Davonte Bardo, and Chance Fitzgerald; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. The family wishes to give thanks to the compassionate nurses at Saratoga Hospital ICU, especially Doreen, Kelly and Tasha for their excellent care during this difficult time. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30am Saturday, December 10, 2011 in the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. The Rev. Neil Draves-Arpaia will officiate. Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life following services immediately at Gaffneys on Caroline Street. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway(584-5373). Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.