Gerald M. Fitzgerald, 65, of New Hope, PA, formerly of Doylestown, peacefully passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2016, at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, after a brief illness.

Jerry was born in Queens, and grew up in Garden City, Long Island. After graduating from high school, Jerry lived in New York City, where he studied commercial graphic design. He became a model and was the “face” for Barbizon Modeling. Jerry had a sharp and creative sense of visual style. In 1980, Jerry moved to Bucks County, where he started his own landscape design service and met his life partner, Bruno Cesarone. Jerry and Bruno opened GF Twigs florist in New Hope, and later owned and operated Mom’s Bake at Home Pizza in Newtown. Jerry was a manager at Manhattan Bagel in Doylestown for the last 12 years.

In addition to his passion for horticulture, Jerry loved animals. He bred and trained Irish Wolfhounds, some of which were selected by Disney productions to use in their films. Jerry and Bruno shared a love of travel. Two of their favorite destinations were Italy and Mexico, which they toured extensively together and with their wide circle of friends. They recently purchased a home in Puerta Vallarta, where Jerry dreamed of establishing a horticulture school, as a step up to economic advancement for local young people.

As a man of many talents, Jerry was open to the opportunities that came with his own creativity.

Jerry was the son of the late Gerald A. and Eileen Starr Fitzgerald. Jerry lost his parents at a very young age. He was raised by his aunt and uncle, the late Helen and Eugene Starr, who became “Mom and Dad”. Jerry was an incredibly loyal and loving son to Helen and Gene, and they loved him as their own.

Jerry is survived by his life partner of 35 years, Bruno Cesarone: his brother Michael G. Fitzgerald (wife Louise) of Flagler Beach, FL, his sister Maryanne Starr Garber (husband Dan) of Buckingham; his many loving nieces, nephews, cousins; and many many friends. He was also pre-deceased by his sister Eileen Munley and his brother Gene Starr.

The mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, December 22, 2016, at 10 am at St. John the Evangelist Church, 44 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530.

There will be calling hours at the Van Horn-McDonough Funeral Home, 21 York Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530 (vhmfh.com) on Wednesday evening from 6 to 9 pm and on Thursday morning from 8:30 am until departure for church.

Donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to the United Service Organization (USO), PO Box 96860, Washington, DC 20077-7677.

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