Obituary of Elda Fitzgerald

Elda R. Fitzgerald "Longtime area musician" Rochester, NY Elda R. Fitzgerald, formerly of N. 7th St. in Olean passed away Friday (January 2, 2015) at St. John's Home in Rochester. She was ten days shy of her 100th birthday. Born January 12, 1915 in Olean she was the daughter of Frank and Mary Scinta Rogers. On July 2, 1941 in Olean she married James Fitzgerald who predeceased her February 26, 1990. Mrs. Fitzgerald was a graduate of Olean High School and was a pianist for over fifty years in the Olean area. She played at Casey's Music Store and with the Carl Wisniewski band in her early years. She was a member of the Al Cecchi Orchestra for many years playing for events, including the Miss NYS Pageant in Olean. She was a former member of the Musician's Union. She was a member of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, its Altar and Rosary Society and was a charter member of the church's former Legion of Mary. She also volunteered with the support group of the Cattaraugus County Association for the Blind. Surviving are her daughter Kathleen (Edward) Dickinson of Rush; two grandchildren Michael (Heidi) Dickinson and Kristin (Tuncay Koroglu) Dickinson; three great grandchildren Christopher Dickinson, Alexander Dickinson and Leyla Koroglu. In addition to her husband she was predeceased by her sister LaVerna Donovan December 24, 2013 and a niece Barbara Linnan. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday (January 5, 2015) at 11:00am at St. John's Church in Olean. Rev. Edward Sheedy, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. John's Roman Catholic Church 931 N. Union St. Olean, NY 14760. Arrangements are under the direction of the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean.