Robert Theodore Fitzgerald M.D.

1930 - 2022

Dr. Robert Theodore Fitzgerald, M.D., "Dr. Bob", Colonel USAF Retired, of Castroville, passed away on February 22, 2022, at the age of 91. He was born July 14,1930, in Columbus, Ohio to Theodore C. Fitzgerald and Frances C. Bailey Fitzgerald.

Dr. Bob graduated from High School in Auburn, Alabama, in 1948, Auburn University 1951 with a BS degree and the University of Alabama Medical College with a degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1955, and thereafter the specialty of neurosurgery.

After joining the military, he proudly served in the United States Air Force as a neurosurgeon from 1959 until his retirement in 1981. His tours of duty included Wiesbaden, Germany, Clark AFB in the Philippines, and many places around the world caring for head wounds in the military.

In 1972 he served the Department of Defense Medical Operations in support of the Apollo 17 Mission, and Skylab 1/2 Missions in 1973. He was named Military Consultant to the USAF Surgeon General in neurosurgery in 1977, and Special Assistant to the Surgeon General in 1979.

He served at Wilford Hall USAF Hospital, Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas from 1964 until retiring in 1981. Immediately, he began his private practice as a neurosurgeon in San Antonio at Main Methodist, St. Luke, and St. Rose Hospitals. His patients remember him as an extraordinarily caring person, always taking the time to explain their conditions in ways that everyone understood. He retired in 1996 and pursued his passion full-time for gardening, fruit trees, and pecan trees in Medina County, Texas. His many other interests and hobbies included woodworking and travelling the world with his wife Alyne.

A strong patriot, he championed many causes for our nation, state, and county, among them Private Property Rights, and the Right to Life. He was elected 3 terms in the Texas Silver-haired Legislature.

He was a devout member of the Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in La Coste, Texas.

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Alyne Simnacher Meyer Fitzgerald of Castroville; children, Rev. Judith Tolbert (James) of Eddy, Texas, Mark Fitzgerald (Liz) of New Braunfels, Shirley Watson (Mac) of Lone Star, Connie Churchill (Richard) of Three Rivers, Mary Helen Meyer of Newberg, Oregon, Diana Pullin (Henry) of Three Rivers, Sharon Meyer of Stockdale, Glen Meyer of Ft. Worth, and Carol Alexander (Jesse) of Buda; twenty grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his children, Sharon Koehler, Robert T. Fitzgerald, Jr., Kristin Fitzgerald, and Nancy Lee Fitzgerald; and his brother, Ivan Dale Fitzgerald.

Visitation will be Monday, February 28, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, followed by the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 15825 Bexar Street, La Coste, Texas 78039. A reception hosted by the Our Lady of Grace Bereavement Committee will follow the church services at Our Lady of Grace Parish Hall. A Committal Service with military honors and Interment will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Three Rivers Cemetery, 541 Oakville Rd., Three Rivers, Texas 78071.

Memorials may be made in Dr. Fitzgerald's memory to Hillsdale College, www.hillsdale.edu, or the charity of your choice.