Obituary of Alexander Richard Fitzburgh

Alexander Richard Fitzburgh - August 26, 1930 to June 30, 2024

He met the love of his life, Mildred Evans, at the Jersey shore and they were married for 68 years. Born in Jersey City, NJ to Margaret and Alexander Fitzburgh. Practiced dentistry in Garfield, NJ for over 40 years. He graduated from the Saint Louis University School of Dentistry and St. Peters College. He faithfully served his country as a First Lieutenant for the U.S. Marines in Korea from 1953 to 1955. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal and was honorably discharged.

After starting a family Alexander and Mildred eventually settled in Caldwell, NJ where he was very well known and respected in the community. He initially served as the President of the Wilson Elementary School PTA and was subsequently elected to multiple terms on the Caldwell/West Caldwell board of education. He also served on the Caldwell/West Caldwell Zoning board.

His love of gardening was evidenced by the beautiful and extensive gardens he developed at their home in Caldwell. He especially loved rhododendrons and he spent many years collecting thousands of specimens and creating new hybrids.  He served as the President of the Tappen Zee Chapter and the New Jersey Chapter of the National Rhododendron Society. He also served as the District Director of the National Rhododendron Society. He regularly displayed his blooms in garden shows winning numerous ribbons and awards. He enjoyed traveling all over the world with his wife Mildred. He was a member of the Essex Fells Country Club.

He is survived by his five loving children, Richard and wife Jill, Robert and wife Eliter, Sandy and wife Lisa, Brian and Mary Beth Fitzburgh. He cherished his grandchildren Mathew, Amanda, Ryan, Evan, Scott and Alexander.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 5, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. directly in St. Stephen Church, 6948 Main St., Trumbull. The rendering of Military Honors will follow the Mass. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, Trumbull and online condolences may be left by visiting us at www.abriola.com.