Mary Fitzgerald: 1960-2021
Mary S. Fitzgerald, 60, of Bradenton, Fla., formerly of Wassaic, N.Y., lost her battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on January 27, 2021.
She was born on February 27, 1960, in Sharon, Conn. to Richard and Edna Mae (Kruger) Miller. She graduated from Webutuck Central School in Amenia, N.Y. She moved to Bradenton 32 years ago. She married Sidney W. Fitzgerald on May 20, 2000. Mary was the owner and president of Torrington Brush Works in Sarasota, Fla., and Torrington, Conn. Her interests included camping, going to concerts, playing the piano, volunteering at her children’s school and volunteering at animal shelters. She loved spending time with her family the most. Mary also enjoyed attending various churches.
Many people in the brush industry loved and respected her for running Torrington Brush Works after her husband Sidney passed away nearly 12 years ago. She did an amazing job keeping the company going and building it even better and bigger. She had a very close relationship with all of the employees who considered her the best boss they ever had because she was so kind, loving, caring and thought of everyone else before herself. As long as she could provide them a stable job to support their family and provide a workplace, our employees looked forward to coming to work every day, and that made her happy.
Going forward, Michael Grimaldi, his sister Stephanie Steury and eventually their younger brother Josh will run the company.
Mary is survived by her son Michael J. Grimaldi and his wife Kristina; Daughter Stephanie M. Steury and her husband Coleton; son Joshua Fitzgerald all living in Bradenton. She is also survived by sister Martha Fitzgerald and her husband John Fitzgerald of Sarasota; brother David C. Miller and his wife Lisa and nephew David P. Miller of Sharon. She is also survived by her beloved dogs Zeek, Theodore, Sebastian and her cat Jezebel. She is survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband Sidney, brother Paul and parents Richard and Edna.
There will only be a private family service. Memorial donations can be made in her honor to Moffit Cancer Center of Tampa, FL. or Tidewell Hospice of Florida. To send condolences, please visit toalebrothers.com
