Mark J. Fitzgerald

Muitzeskill - Mark J. Fitzgerald, 85, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, February 5, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Mark is survived by his loving wife Marcia, daughters Meagan Fitzgerald and Maura (Richard) Clos, adored grandchildren Baker and Meryl, brother Tom Fitzgerald, sisters Mary Anne Ruf, Margaret Mary Neiles, and Rose Fitzgerald Wolfe. He was predeceased by his brother Joe Fitzgerald and parents.

Born in Albany, Mark was the son of John Joseph and Ruth Murphy Fitzgerald and cherished memories of growing up in Delaware Avenue and North Albany neighborhoods. At 16, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving honorably for four years before returning home. Following his discharge, Mark re-enrolled at Cardinal McCloskey High School, where he graduated, before attending Russell Sage College.

An accountant by trade, Mark's true-life passion was the game of golf, a pursuit that shaped much of his life.

Over the course of his remarkable golfing life, he carded eight hole-in-ones, won numerous individual and partner events throughout New York and New England, and traveled extensively, playing 800+ courses in eight countries. Mark's love of Irish links golf took him to the Emerald Isle more than 20 times with friends and family, where the courses, people, and traditions felt like home.

In 1961, Mark won his first tournament, the Hawaii Marine Golf Tournament, and sixty years later returned to play the Marine Base Klipper Course in 2021. He held several club championship titles at Cordial Greens, Winding Brook, and Wolferts Roost Country Clubs, and for many years was a top contender in local competitive play.

Cordial Greens was special to Mark, not only did he set the course record - twice, three years after besting his first record - but it was also where he met his wife of nearly 55 years.

Mark's connection to Wolferts Roost came full circle. As a boy, he walked up the hill from North Pearl Street to caddy; years later, he returned as a longtime member, winning both the Open and Senior Division Club Championships four times each.

In 2015, with his eldest daughter proudly at his side, Mark completed his quest to play golf in all 50 states at Anchorage Golf Course in Alaska.

His competitive achievements also included qualifying for the 1990 U.S. Amateur at Cherry Hills in Denver and, in 1993, the British Amateur at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.

Mark's deep appreciation for the game extended far beyond his own play. He served as President of the New York State Golf Association from 1986 to 1987 and was a steadfast advocate for junior golf. For over forty years, he dedicated himself to the game's future, serving on the United States Golf Association Junior Committee as a Rules Official for 35 years, and coordinating countless USGA and NYSGA Men's Amateur and Junior qualifying events throughout the Capital Region.

Through the game he loved, Mark built lifelong friendships, mentored young golfers, and gave back to the sport at every opportunity. Golf was never just a pastime for him, it was a lifelong companion, a family bond, and his legacy.

Above all else, his proudest moments were the quiet ones - surrounded by family, watching his grandchildren grow, and cherishing the time they shared together.

A celebration of life will be held in Mark's honor on Thursday, February 12, from 3:00-5:00 pm at the Country Club of Troy, 100 Troy Country Club Road, Troy. Private funeral services will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Mark may consider a contribution to The Community Hospice, the NYSGA Foundation's Junior Player Grant Program or a charity of one's choice.