William David “Red” Fitzsimmons. An avid sports enthusiast, passed away Friday, Sept. 22, at Hospice of Dayton, OH, at the age of 72. Dave was born in New Haven, CT and raised in nearby West Haven. He graduated from Hopkins Grammar School in New Haven, and Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. He was a retiree from NCR after 37 years of service. Dave had a great fondness for his family, was a devoted friend to many, and he loved to travel the Midwest and to favorite family spots in Fairhaven, MA and Pentwater, MI, as well as New Haven, CT and Phoenix, AZ.. He had a great passion for history, politics, media, current events and music – particularly New Orleans jazz. But primarily “Fitz” was known for his love and knowledge of sports – especially, the grand old game of baseball, and his team, the Chicago White Sox. He was a dedicated coach of youth sports in the ’60’s, ’70’s and ’80’s. After his retirement he taught courses on baseball and how the game related to American social history for Wright State University, University of Dayton, and Elder Hostel. He was active as a member of the Dartmouth Alumni Association, Agonis Club, the Society of American Baseball Research (SABR) and the Dayton Bicycle Club. He was also a member of David’s United Church of Christ. Dave is preceded in death by his parents, William Arnold and Lillian Fitzsimmons; and his daughter, Janie Thayer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Harriet, nee McCall; and their children, Elizabeth (Arnold) Bustle, Douglas Fitzsimmons and Andrea (Steve) Pine; his brother, Douglas (Judy) Fitzsimmons; his grandchildren, Madrigal, Robalyn, Leigh, Francis “Frank” and Mary Stone and Sean and Henry Pine; brothers-in-law, John (MaryLou) McCall, Donald McCall and Peter Carothers; sister-in-law, Shirley McCall; many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service was held in Dayton, OH on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006.
