Haile VanDenburgh "Van" Fitzgerald Jr.

1926 - 2009

Haile VanDenburgh (Van) Fitzgerald Jr., 82, passed away January 15, 2009, in Salem, Va. He was born on April 4, 1926, the son of Haile VanDenburgh and Madalene Vaden Fitzgerald in Danville, Va. He graduated from Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., and received the bachelor of science and master of science degrees in geology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Va. Mr. Fitzgerald served in the United States Army Tank Destroyer Forces in World War II in the European Theater of operations in 1944 to 1946 and was later recalled to active duty in the Korean War in 1950 to 1951. He was employed by Mobil Oil Company and the Pennzoil Company from 1952 through 1968 in West Texas, Pennsylvania, and Corpus Christi, Texas. He retired in 1992 from the Texas Department of Health after 20 years service as Tuberculosis Control and Communicable Disease Program Manager in Corpus Christi and Harlingen, Texas. Mr. Fitzgerald returned to Virginia in June of 2007 to spend his remaining years closer to family. He made Summerville at Ridgewood Gardens in Salem his home. Mr. Fitzgerald was predeceased by his wife of over 50 years, Sarah Robinson Fitzgerald. He is survived by a niece, Madalene Y. Simpson (Henry), of Roanoke, Va.; two nephews, John H. Young Jr. (Claudia), of Burke, Va., and Thomas F. Young (Patricia), of Salisbury, N.C.; as well as six great-nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hargrave Military Academy, Chatham, Va. 24531. A memorial service was held on Sunday, January 18, 2009, in the Piano Room of Summerfield at Ridgewood Gardens. Chaplain Marvin Barbre of Good Samaritan Hospice presided. A graveside service for both Mr. Fitzgerald and his wife, Sarah, will be held 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2009. The Rev. Timothy Bird will officiate at the Old Glade Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Glade Spring, Va.