WATERVILLE – Carlton L. Fitzgerald, 89, passed away on April 6, 2024, after an extended time of declining health.

He was born on Sept. 15, 1934, in China to Lloyd F. and Hazel (Esancy) Fitzgerald.

Carlton was a lifelong resident of China, attended the South China Village School and was a member of the first 8th grade to graduate from the new China Consolidated School in 1949. He attended Erskine Academy, graduating in 1953, third in his class. While at Erskine, he was president of the class for three years, participating in sports and band. Carlton attended the University of Maine at Orono and graduated in 1955 with an associate degree in Mechanized Farming.

In 1955, Carlton married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Fletcher, and they resided in the old Fitzgerald farmhouse on Route 32, raising their five children there. In 1958, Carlton and his dad expanded the farm operation, built a new barn on the old homestead, and built one of the first milking parlors in the state. The farm grew in size and at its peak milked around 100 cows and raised meat for their own food.

He was involved in several organizations of his interest: The Farm Bureau, The Maine Forestry Board, The Maine Association and The Kennebec County Soil and Water Conservation District, serving as president to each. It was during that time that he and Shirley traveled to many U.S. cities attending the National Convention as delegates.

Carlton served as Scoutmaster for the China BSA, was President of the China School PTA and was an avid snowmobiler, in fact, was a founding member of the China Four Seasons Club, as its president and trail master for many years. He and his wife covered many miles of Northern Maine from the eastern to the western border on their snowmobile.

Carlton’s most pleasurable hobby was camping, which his wife introduced him to early in their marriage. They spent much time in their retirement traveling in the motorhome across the U.S. and spent their winters in Florida for several years. Their camping experience covered almost all types of camping, evolving from basic tenting to pickup and camper, to tow-behind, to motorhome, and even a fifth wheel.

Carlton was predeceased by his parents.

He is survived by his wife Shirley; his children, Patricia Pratt-Rossman and wife Diane, son, Fredrick Fitzgerald and wife Patricia, daughters Linda Bengtson and husband Wayne, Cathy Frisbie and husband Trey, Betty Sularie and husband Larry, and former daughter-in-law Betsy Fitzgerald; also, his grandchildren Bruce Fitzgerald and wife Ginnie, Derek Clifford and wife Anne, Jaimi Clifford and fiancé Brandon, Heather Turcotte and husband Chris, Justin Sularie and companion Kristie and Emmi Pelletier. He also leaves several great-grandchildren; his sister, Arlene Cox, of Melbourne, Fla. and sister-in-law, Joan Hammond, of Green Valley, Ariz.; as well as several nieces, nephews; cousins; and friends.

Our family would like to extend thanks to all of the personnel at MaineGeneral Health Center, Northern Light Continuing Care – Lakewood, Beacon Hospice, and Oak Grove Center for their compassionate care to Carlton during his illness.

Graveside services will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed at http://www.funeralalternatives.net

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to

Erskine Academy Alumni Scholarship Fund,

309 Windsor Rd.,

South China, ME 04358, or to

Beacon Hospice,

5 Community Dr., Ste A,

Augusta, ME 04330

Copy the Story Link