Fitz, Reginald Heber, MD died peacefully in the company of loved ones, May 28th, at the age of 92 at Woodstock Terrace, Woodstock VT. He is survived by his current wife, Constance McCarthy, her three children, Kitty, Jimmy, Annie, and her three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Edna Wilmot Woelfel with whom he had four children, Reginald (deceased October 2012), (Joan Marie Hart), Tracy, L.Ac., Dr. Grahame (Elizabeth), Dr. Ralph (Barbara) Fitz. He was the much loved grandfather of Reginald, Michael, Allison, Dr. David, Alexandra (Ben Blais), Victoria, and Nicholas Fitz. He is also survived by three sisters, Phoebe Wallace (Richmond, VA), Edith Hemenway and Jean Buffum (Providence, RI). Preceded in death by brother William Fitz.
Born in Brookline, MA in 1920 Dr. Fitz's parents were Dr. Reginald Fitz and Phoebe Wright Fitz. He was a graduate of the Park School and Milton Academy, Milton, MA. He followed both his father, Dr. Reginald Fitz, professor of medicine, and his grandfather, Dr. Reginald Heber Fitz, professor of pathology to Harvard College, class of 1942 and to Harvard Medical School, class of 1945. During WWII he served in Japan with the Army Medical Corps. Dr. Fitz began his medical career in internal medicine at the University of Colorado where he became a professor of medicine and an assistant dean. In 1961 he was commissioned to start a medical school at the University of New Mexico and by 1965 the medical school had the first four year program graduating under his deanship. This was a lifetime achievement for Dr. Fitz. At the UNM Medical School he was able to integrate and expand the educational innovations he encountered at Harvard and at Case Western Reserve. He developed the Regional Medical Program in New Mexico. He went on to work at the Commonwealth Fund in New York City for several years before retiring. Dr. Fitz continued his interest in medicine and health issues throughout his life. He often attended Grand Rounds at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and served as a board director at Mt. Ascutney Hospital.
Dr. Fitz loved golf and bridge as pre-eminent hobbies. He participated in many local activities in the Woodstock area where he and Connie enjoyed 33 wonderful years. He skied the local cross country trails, tamed all of the area golf courses, greatly enjoyed the "round table " luncheons, and his bridge clubs. Dogs were always a special part of Dr. Fitz and his wife's life in Woodstock, especially their Jack Russell terriers. Dr. Fitz was never without his books, NY Times crossword puzzle (in ink), his digital camera and all his electronic gadgets. He enriched many lives by encouraging people to bring their best to life's various pursuits. He will be greatly missed by all.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, June 30th at 4:00 at the North Universalist Chapel, 7 Church St., Woodstock, VT 05091.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005 or 1-800-242-8721, The Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society, 4832 Vermont 44, Windsor, VT 05089, and foodandwaterwatch.org.
Cabot Funeral Home, Woodstock, VT is serving the family, to send your condolence to the family or share memories, please visit the obituaries at www.cabotfh.com.