John Fitzgerald Obituary

John R. Fitzgerald VIRGINIA BEACH - John R. Fitzgerald, 92, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010. John was born June 12, 1918 to Lena Johnson (Fitzgerald) Schoenborn and Peter J. Fitzgerald in Albany, N.Y. He was preceded in death by his wife, Abbie G. Rowe (Fitzgerald) and his sister, Marion F. Short. He was known by his stepfather's name of Schoenborn until he joined the U.S. Navy. John Fitzgerald enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1935. After recruit training he reported to USS VEGA (AK17) for duty and later in USS Cincinnati (CL6) where he was advanced to the rank of first class petty officer. Honorably discharged in August 1941, he reenlisted following the December 7 attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 29, 1941 at Sub Base New London, Conn. Following Packard Marine Engine School he reported for duty aboard PC493 and subsequently to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In October 1944 he reported for duty in USS Menominee (ATF73) where he was selected as a chief petty officer. At war's end he saw shore duty at Naval Hospital Sampson, N.Y., and soon after reported for duty aboard USS Manchester (CL83) at Boston. After a tour aboard USS Escape (ARS6) he reported for shore duty at the U.S. Panama Canal Zone where he accepted a commission as Navy chief warrant officer. After a tour of duty aboard USS Shakori (ATF162) and USS Boston (CAG1) he retired from the Navy in 1960 at the rank of CWO4. He then received his Coast Guard license as a marine engineer and worked for more than 35 years in the Norfolk area for Gulf Atlantic, Moran Towing and Curtis Bay. John R. Fitzgerald is survived by his daughter, Gail F. Edson of Hyde Park, N.Y.; his son, John R. Fitzgerald II of Virginia Beach; two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 Virginia Beach Blvd. A funeral will be Thursday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home where there will be full military honors provided by the U.S. Navy. Burial will be in the family plot in Shandaken, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local Foodbank. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.woodlawngroup.com.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Dec. 5, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for John Fitzgerald

5 Entries

July 1982 Mark and Michele Wed Chamberlain

Danny Palmer

December 6, 2010

Dear Gail and John -I know that which gives you so much sorrow is also that which gave you so much joy in your lives. The Diamond Lake Estates neighborhood was a wonderful place to grow with neighbors watching out for all the kids. I recall Mrs. Fitzgerald taking us to Sandbridge....you definitely took your cooler and lunch then. It was an adventure.

And your Dad...I recall his slight smile, soft voice and him looking down at me...he was so tall...and handsome too. I'd mow your mom and dad's lawn...wash her beautiful TBird...it had those sequential turn signals...kinda rusty brown with cream two tone paint job. I rode with your Dad in the other vehicle a couple times...I'd wonder what it was like to use both feet.

I appreciate your Dad and your Mom. They've contributed so many wonderful memories of life when it was like those ole black and white tv shows. You felt secure when you spoke to them. They talked to you with authority and genuine concern for your welfare. Every family was alike with 'watchful eyes' upon the kids.

I've so many good memories. How many times can you reflect on them and not have a longing for the same again? We always miss the ones we love and the memories they've created for us.

I understand and sympathize with your loss. May God's blessings continue in each of your lives. May your thoughts and memories transition you through your times of sorrow and enrich you abundantly with increasing love for family and friends.

Danny Palmer

John Parks

December 6, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. Please find comfort in the blessings that are found in the memories that remain of times past. God bless. John Parks & Family

Steve Riffle

December 5, 2010

Sorry to hear about your Dad, he will be greatly missed. I hope you find comfort in this difficult time....

Tracy Gibson

December 5, 2010

I'm going to miss talking to him. He was one of Greatest Generation and gave his all for his country and his family. I'm going to miss you!!

Ken Jenkins

December 5, 2010

So sorry to hear about :Pops: He was one of a kind.I will always remember Him for His great stories and His love for Buster & Waggs.May God be with you all at this time.
Ken

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