Brett H. Fitzgerald

On September 7, 2026 we lost an inspirational leader, Brett Fitzgerald. Brett was born on May 22, 1968 in Lockport, New York where he spent his early days exploring nature and making music. After graduation, he went on to serve in the United States Army, both as a morse code interceptor and as a Special Forces operative. He was named US Army Soldier of the Year in 1988 and formed many lasting friendships from his time spent at Ft. Devens and in Misawa.

After the army, he moved to Florida to be closer to his grandmother and attended the University of South Florida. There he received both a bachelor's and master's degree in communication sciences and disorders. His time at USF was memorable, as he met lifelong friends through the rugby team and learned more about interacting with the ecosystems in Florida. He then relocated to Lake Worth Beach, FL where he worked in both the hospital and school settings, serving the children of the Palm Beach County school system for 16 years. He began writing for Florida Sportsman magazine and spending time volunteering with local conservation groups. Brett was eventually named the Executive Director of the Angler Action Foundation where he led initiatives that brought in marine habitat conservation projects around the state. Most recently, Brett was also the Vice President of Freedom Environmental, where he worked to improve water quality and fortify shorelines.

Brett had a special way of forming relationships and was the kind of person you would meet and within minutes, feel both comfortable and connected. He knew that everyone had something to offer and accepted people as they were. He loved to fill the home with music: always humming, singing, or playing the guitar or saxophone. To say he was a loving husband, a father, a son, a brother, a reliable neighbor, a friend, an advocate, a mentor, a fishing and diving buddy, a grill master and a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan doesn’t seem to do him justice. He was so much more, and truly one of a kind.

Brett had an adventuring spirit and loved to travel with his wife, attending concerts and breweries around the country and visiting family. His favorite days at home started with a trip to the beach with one of both of his children snorkeling or spearfishing. He loved serving his smoked wings to a house full of cheering Bills fans or inviting others over to play music together.

Brett will be deeply missed by his loving wife Megan Ring, his daughter Ava Fitzgerald, his son Liam Fitzgerald, his mother Miriam Smith, his sister Colleen McCoy, and his brother Ben Smith, in addition to many other family members and countless friends. Those of us who felt Brett’s love know just how special he was.

His wonder and love of nature and his desire to protect it will live on in the many lives he inspired. Please read more about Brett’s life and impact on others in the following links:

Our Friend Brett : Angler Action Foundation

A Life On The Water : Brett Fitzgerald And The Angler Foundation

A memorial service will be held on October 2, 2026 in Wilson, New York. A celebration of life will be held in Lake Worth Beach at a date to be determined.