Pastor William “Clyde” Fitzgerald, age 81, of Route 36 in Eldred Twp., passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at the Jefferson Manor in Brookville, PA.

Clyde was born on June 16, 1935, to the late William Donald and Dorthy (Sprankle) Fitzgerald, in Clarington, PA.

He graduated from the Sigel High School with the class of 1953.

Almost his entire career he worked for Brockway Glass as a Tool Maker, and he retired from this position.

Clyde enjoyed square dancing, and this pass-time helped shape his entire life; at one fateful dance that took place in the Sigel Civic center, he looked across the room, and saw the prettiest girl he had ever seen. On May 28, 1955, he married that girl in Corsica, PA. After 61 wonderful years, Lois Joanne (Smith) Fitzgerald survives him.

Clyde was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

In 1972, Clyde got the call of God to Christian Ministry’s. Upon completion of his studies he became Minister of the Kahletown Community Church.

When one thinks of Clyde, his signature cowboy boots and hat brings a smile to their face.

His ministry and his outgoing nature put him in a position help others constantly and Clyde took every opportunity he could. He never needed or wanted recognition for his service, but he did touch many lives. He loved the simplicity of God’s green earth, and he did his part to contribute to the beauty of nature.

As recently as this last fall he was still planting trees; nut trees like Walnut and Chestnut, and he would walk around the forest with large amounts of Acorns that he would plant individually in hopes that they would sprout up. He also kept up a flower and produce garden every year, from which he would share his spoils, most notably the tomatoes he grew.

He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, activities that he would share with his children and grandchildren. Family was so important to him and he treasured all the moments that he had with them. He strived to be present at any and all of the different activities that his grandchildren were in involved in from sports to dance recitals and more.

His life path made it possible to take part more deeply in his family’s lives by being able to perform some of their wedding ceremonies; his hard work provided a good life for them all.

In his few final moments, he waited for all of his family to be present before he stepped through the veil into the arms of his Lord. He was never shy about his faith and his great wit and want for everyone to be happy and uplifted made it easier for His message to be shared. His family and friends will sadly miss him.

In addition to his wife, Clyde is survived by 2 daughters; Debra (Allen) Crate, Brenda Adams; 1 son; Bruce (Teresa) Fitzgerald; 2 sisters; Myra Jean (Al) Mineweaser, Alaria Sun; 2 granddaughters; Tammy (Jeff) Lieb, Angela Fitzgerald Lasher; 2 grandsons; Timothy (Melissa) Steele, Cody Wilson; 2 great-granddaughters; Danica Stroup, Joanna Lieb; 4 great-grandsons; Timothy R. Steele, Tristan Lieb, Kyle Lasher, and Justin Lasher.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, from 2 — 4pm and 6 — 9pm, at the McKinney — d’Argy Funeral Home, ltd, 345 Main St., Brookville PA, 15825.

A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, also at the Funeral Home, beginning at 11:00am, and officiated by Pastor Harold Hill, with support officiate Pastor David Nagele.

Interment will take place at the Butler Cemetery, Pine Creek Twp., Jefferson Co., PA.

Memorial contributions are encouraged and may be made in his name to the Sigel Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 97, Sigel PA, 15860, or to the Pine Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department, 18656 Route 322, Brookville PA, 15825, or to the Hahne Cancer Center, 100 Hospital Ave., DuBois PA, 15801.

Online condolences and other information may be found at www.mckinneydargy.com