Mary Tara FitzGibbons Stack

OSWEGO –  Mary Tara FitzGibbons Stack, a devoted mother, a beloved educator and community leader, passed away peacefully on Tuesday at St. Joseph’s Hospital following a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Born on January 8, 1966, in Oswego, New York, Mary was the sixth of seven children born to Joan (Galvin) and John E. FitzGibbons. Growing up in a large, vibrant household alongside her siblings—Jean, John, Joan, Ellen, Jerome, and Kathleen—Mary developed a lifelong appreciation for family and tradition.

Mary’s passion for learning led her to St. John Fisher University in Rochester, where she graduated in 1988. She later moved to New York City, earning a Master of Education from Hunter College in 1995. On September 19, 1998, she married Kevin B. Stack, and the couple eventually settled in Bloomfield, New Jersey, to raise their family.

A gifted and dedicated educator, Mary spent the majority of her career teaching second grade at Lincoln Avenue Public School in Orange, New Jersey. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and her ability to inspire young minds earned her the prestigious Teacher of the Year designation, a testament to the profound impact she had on her students and colleagues alike.

Outside of the classroom, Mary was a woman of boundless energy. As an avid runner, she co-founded the annual Trinity Academy Reindeer Run in Caldwell, New Jersey, a beloved community event that combined her love for fitness and her spirit of service. She was also a devoted enthusiast of the arts, finding great joy in ballet, theater, and Irish dance.

Mary’s most fervent and cherished role was that of a mother. She was the ultimate champion for her children, Padraig and Siobhan, tirelessly dedicating herself to their growth and happiness. Whether she was cheering on their numerous activities, serving as a coach for Padraig’s soccer team or supporting Siobhan as she rose to international notoriety as an Irish Step dancer, Mary’s devotion to her family was absolute. Her legacy lives on in the strength, talent, and character of her children.

Mary is survived by her husband, Kevin; her proud children, Padraig and Siobhan; her siblings, Jean (Rick Sabatini), John (Tara), Joan, Ellen (Joe McCloskey), Jerome (Jennifer), and Kathleen (Kevin Hunt); and a wide circle of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and former students who were all the better for knowing her. She was predeceased by her parents, Joan and John. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to WQXR in support of classical music at https://wqxr.org/support or to the American Ballet Theater at abt.org in Mary Stack’s memory.

Visitation at the Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home 76 Park Street Montclair, NJ 07042 Sunday April 19, 2026 from 4:00-8:00PM.

Mass of Christian Burial at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church 30 North Fullerton Avenue Montclair, New Jersey 07042 on Monday April 20, 2026 at 10:30 AM.

Burial will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Oswego, NY at a date and time to be announced.

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