Jack Fitzgibbon funeral: Cessnock comes to a standstill for soldier killed in parachute incident as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese leads mourners
The mother of a soldier who died during parachute training has told a packed funeral service attended by the Prime Minister how her life changed forever when there was a knock on the door.
Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon died on March 6 during special forces training at RAAF Base Richmond in Sydney’s north.
A funeral service was held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cessnock, attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Defense Minister Richard Marles, Hunter MP Dan Repacholi and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
Streets and car parks in the city’s CBD were closed overnight in preparation for the full military funeral – with diggers lining the streets as his coffin passed.
Arm in arm, pallbearers carry the casket of Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon into St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Monday morning
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among the mourners. Upstairs he hugs Joel Fitzgibbon
The 33-year-old was the only son of former Rudd Defense Secretary Joel Fitzgibbon.
His mother Di Fitzgibbon told the service that her life changed when there was a knock on the door and that she would miss her son ‘with all my heart’.
“We have laughed so much over the past few weeks at your various exploits because your mother’s worries are no longer attached to them,” she said through tears.
Speaking at the funeral, a senior military official said the 33-year-old had died while serving his country after a decade in the ADF, including an operational deployment to Papua New Guinea and roles with the commando regiment.
“The nature of a soldier’s life is inherently dangerous and without risks and consequences,” he said.
“Jack will never be forgotten and his service as one of the most skilled signal operators will inspire future players.
“He leaves behind an honorable legacy and will be missed. Now rest, your service is done.”
The Ministry of Defense confirmed that an investigation had been launched into the cause of death and that all skydiving activities had been temporarily halted.
Soldiers lined the streets to say goodbye to Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon
Former Defense Secretary Joel Fitzgibbon and his wife Di lead the mourners
His sister, TV reporter Grace Fitzgibbon, shared powerful tributes to her brother on social media
He will be remembered for his courage, humor and service, the memorial service heard
In a statement released through the department, Joel Fitzgibbon said the family was “heartbroken by the loss of our wonderful Jack.”
“Serving in the Special Forces was Jack’s dream job and we take some comfort in the fact that he died serving his country in an ADF uniform,” he said.
‘Jack was a dedicated, highly skilled and courageous soldier. He was an experienced paratrooper.
“Our lives will never be the same without Jack, but we will always be proud of him and his many achievements.”
Mr. Fitzgibbon served with the 2nd Commando Regiment, which is part of the Army’s Special Operations Command.
“Jack was loved for his courage and was known for his sense of humor and his service to country,” Brigadier General James Kidd told reporters the day after his death.