Obituary of Richard James Fitzgerald

RICHARD JAMES FITZGERALD December 13, 1934 - April 11, 2016 Family and friends of Dick ("Da") Fitzgerald are celebrating his blessed and joy-filled life following his passing after a brief illness at the age of 81. Dick is survived by his best friend and loving wife of more than 50 years, Mickie; his beloved children, Jennifer (Skip) Holtz of Ruston, LA; Scott (Janine) Fitzgerald of Tampa, FL; and Kevin (Kara) Fitzgerald of Mount Juliet, TN; his cherished grandchildren, Trey, Chad, and Hailey Holtz and McKenzie and Ryan James Fitzgerald; and his brothers, Jerry (Eleanor) Fitzgerald of Louisville, KY, and Tony (Karen) Fitzgerald of Hilton Head, SC. Dick was born in Louisville, Kentucky and graduated from Flagett High School. After serving in the US Army, he moved to Miami, where he met his future wife, to attend the University of Miami. His father was an award-winning sports writer there, having covered Notre Dame and Miami sports. Later, sports would become the common thread that connected Dick to thousands of people across the country whom he would consider — and who would consider him — part of the family. With his bride Mickie, he moved to Charlotte County in 1970, where they raised their family and where he enjoyed a 30-year career with Charlotte County Ford. After his retirement, "Da" became the ultimate booster, frequently traveling (often relocating for the season) with his wife for football and basketball games in every community where his sons or son-in-law coached, and where his grandchildren played — from Notre Dame to East Carolina, from Tampa Jesuit to the University of Texas. During the offseason, "Da" kept in touch with his extended family through social networking; he was a regular on Facebook, with thousands of enthusiastic followers. In person, he was quick with a quip, regularly reliable for hometown stories or Sunday donuts and liked to tend bar at post-game parties where he celebrated victories and eased losses with equal parts devotion and libation. His impact on the communities of which he became a part will be felt for many years. Like their devoted "Da," a man of strong faith, his family mourns his loss with a full and grateful heart. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 18 at 1:30pm at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church - 21505 Augusta Ave, Port Charlotte, FL. A "Celebration of Life" reception will take place following Mass from 3-5pm at Laishley Crab House - 150 Lashley Road, Punta Gorda, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL. 34238.