Gale E. Fitzpatrick

November 14, 1945 - November 6, 2014

Gale Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, age 68, of Silver Spring, MD, and Newark, DE, passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2014, at Season’s Hospice at Christiana Care Health in Newark, DE. She was born on November 14, 1945, in Pottsville, PA, to the late Joseph Michael and Helen Virginia (Santee) Fitzpatrick.

Intelligent and independent, Gale obtained her degree in Mathematics from the California State University in San Jose, and worked in the computer science and information technology field, making her one of not many women in this emerging field. A onetime member of the Mensa Society, she would sharpen her mind with plenty of reading and became known as a crossword puzzle “master”. Upon her retirement Gale volunteered much of her time to “Meals on Wheels” and the AARP Tax-Aide Program, often extending the tax aide to those who were unable to travel.

She is survived by her son Richard Scott Vitale and husband Eric Atkins of Lewes, DE; a daughter Dawn Elizabeth Vitale and husband Matthew Staiger of Silver Spring, MD; sisters Susan Fain and husband James of Ocean City, MD, and Ann Haney and husband Bob of West Ocean City, MD; a brother Michael Fitzpatrick and wife Elena of Bristow, VA; two grandchildren, Darby & Nate; and many nieces and nephews.

Services for Gale will be held privately at the convenience of the family. To send condolences visit www.rtfoard.com.

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I knew Gale. I will miss her. Take care and travel well my friend

I reconnected with Gale at our 45th High School reunion. we shared e-mails and facebook since then. I am so sorry she is gone. she will be missed

I am so sorry to hear of Gale's passing. She was a very dear friend growing up in Silver Spring. We had many classes together, sleepovers, and we loved to go skating. We had a wonderful time at our 50th high school reunion. She will be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Gale. We did not know Gale long, but she was a pleasure to be around! She always had stories to share about her family and her felines. We will miss seeing her! -Lynn & Brian Donahue, Custom Cleaning Solutions

I was a girlhood friend of Gale. We had good times, going to teen club dances. I know she will be missed by family and friends.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

So many memories I have of you, MomGale, throughout my teenage and young adult years...late night pick-ups from B-R, trips to Elon, lazy days in OC and a Mother's Day weekend in Boulder, CO. I treasure the times spent with you and my truest best friend, your sweet daughter, Dawn. You, she and Scott have always been family to me. Love and miss you and wish you peace.

It is with bittersweet emotions that I write this. I am so very sad to hear to the passing of a longtime friend, but so blessed to have had the pleasure to have known Gale and her lovely family. Gale and I shared a love for “our beach weeks” which she and her family always made me feel welcome. Gale was the epitome of strength and endless courage was indescribable. She shared her love of books with me which I still have today. I will forever hold countless memories of Gale and times we spent together, not just with Gale, but with Scott, Eric (rescuing me in Amsterdam) and Dawn as well. Gale, she had an infectious laugh, I can still hear today, you couldn’t help but laugh and be happy. Rest my friend, laugh, and dance. I will miss you.

Wow, I remember Gale as a fun time! Last time we were together was in New Zealand when the Tandem team was supporting the "Round the world Whitbread / Sailboat race". What a great time we had, her, Mark Hinkle, and myself. We rented a car and drove along the countryside, then caught the ferry to go out to an island near "the hole in the rock".. we had a picnic lunch and a bottle of wine. The one and only time I ever saw a turkey duck (a duck body with a turkey crown)! Good times for sure! Gale, we will miss you! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family! Patey Larsen San Jose, CA

My thoughts and prayers to Scott and Dawn and their families. Gale was my friend and co-worker for over 35 years, I will miss her.

We have enjoyed having Gale as a friend and neighbor and will miss her greatly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her entire family.

Scott, Eric and family, so very sorry for your loss. Kathryn and Nav

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Gale, she was a friend and co-worker out in Cupertino Ca. Seems like only yesterday that we traveled back to Silver Spring and rented that Big uHaul truck to move both her and my stuff out to Cupertino. I so sorry for the loss to Scotty and Dawn, our prayers will be with you. I also sorry for all the others that will surely miss Gale, but I guess we can all think of the happier times when she was with us.

My most sincere condolences on behalf of her classmates from Wheaton High School, Class of 1963. Already many have commented within our circle of how this is a loss to them. Personally, I had a great time with Gale at the past three Reunions and appreciated her help in attempting to locate a classmate in her area. RIP dear Gale. You will be remembered at future reunions with a rose.

Prayers to the family. She will be missed.

Hey there, sweetie, it's been a long 40 + year friendship. I'll miss you but always keep you in my heart. Save me a place up there and I'm glad your hip has finally stopped giving you pain. Of course, I'll keep in touch with your kids, you did a great job raising them; you should be proud! Love you!

IAM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF GALE, MY THOUGHS ARE WITH HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS. I KNEW GALE FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND WHEN SHE LIVED AT WHEATON REC CENTER, THEY SAY THAT A PERSON DIES 2 TIMES, WHEN THE SOUL LEAVES THE BODY AND WHEN THE LAST PERSON WHO KNEW HER DIES, SHE WILL LIVE IN MANY HEARTS FOR MANY YEARS, JOHN H HAYDEN, WHEATON HIGH, CLASS 1962

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.