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FITZGERALD, DANIEL L. "Dan" "Danny", who was fond of saying, "Heaven is my home. I'm just here for a visit", ended his visit November 21, 2017 at South Miami Hospital after a bout with pneumonia. After 18 months in Korea during the war, he returned to his home in Oshkosh, Wisconsin where he met and married Dolores Stever who was to become his loving partner for over 62 years until her death. They moved to California where Fitzgerald graduated from the Pasadena Play house School of Theater Arts to begin an acting career which included numerous stage plays and appearances on live TV such as "Playhouse 90", "Studio One" and "Climax". A part-time job became a career in retailing as he became a fashion promotion Director for two department stores in Nashville, Tenn. until he was contacted to come to Miami to become fashion director and associate sales promotion manager for the six Richards stores in South Florida. He continued to do Richard's fashion shows and M.C. a weekly "Breakfast at Richards" TV show for 72 weeks after he had begun his own "Cloth to Closet" fashion promotion and modeling agency, Fashioncrest International, in the Miami International Merchandise Mart. As a Master of Ceremonies he emceed many beauty and scholarship pageants including six years with Miss Teenage Miami, hosted two Easter Seals telethons and emceed the annual Barbershop Harmony Show for 25 years. While covering the market from textiles through manufacturing to retail promotions, Fitzgerald gradually gravitated to his original love eventually amassing 300 radio and TV commercials plus 39 feature films like, "Mean Season", "Final Countdown" and "Police Academy Five". Along the way he served as president of the Miami chapter of Florida Public Relations Assn., Alpha Delta Sigma Advertising Society, Screen Actors Guild Florida Branch, South Florida Emerald Society and on the National Board of Screen Actors Guild and the South Florida International Press Club. He is survived by his son, Michael, a graduate of the U of M, sang on tour with Fred Waring and continues to record during time off from EPCOT at Walt Disney World. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Judes Children's Hospital. Visitation 7 9 pm Monday at VAN ORSDEL CORAL GABLES. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 am Tuesday at the Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables. Burial in Wisconsin.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My memories of our beloved Dan are here with me as I write this. I have two photographs of Dan and I hosting a "Breakfast at Richard's" at the Midway Mall and another at the Hollywood Fashion Center. As the Manager of several Richard's I had the opportunity to work with Dan and including the Miss Teenage Miami contest, modeled Wembley Ties for Dan and the Miami Merchandise Mart and also helped with promotions in the 163rd street store, Lauderhill, West Palm Beach, Hollywood, Midway Mall and our main store in Downtown Miami. What a joy Dan was to work with. Always a smile on his face, nothing ever too difficult, giving credit to everyone except himself, a sense of humor and a love for life that rubbed off on all those he worked with. "Some people come into our lives and go while others leave footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever, the same". That was Dan Fitzgerald. Thanks for the memories Dan.
Roger Adams
November 20, 2021
I just leaned of Danny's passing. I fear the worst when I hadn't heard from him in a long time. We worked together for so many years writing, directing, acting, and singing, in the "UP YOUR ADS" advertising scholarship benefit shows. He was one in a billion. His Irish Eyes are smiling now in a better place. I'm so glad to have been able to share my mountain photography with Danny for so many years. I know he was buoyed by the beauty of the Mountains. His passing is a loss for so many... I miss his joviality.
Vann Helms
March 11, 2018
Sorry to hear about the passing of a dear friend. I was the manager of the Richard's Department Store in the Midway Mall in Hialeah back in those days Dan when was hosting "Breakfast at Richards." I appeared on several of his one half hour morning shows being interviewed and talking with the audiences. Dan was always such a joyful and easy going person who was so genial with everyone in came in contact. I am so fortunate to have been able to spend time with Dan and so thankful that I knew him. God Bless you Dan.
ROGER ADAMS
March 9, 2018
Mike,
I am saddened to hear about the passing of your dad. I have fond memories at the cottage on Lake Poygan of him, yourself and your Mom.
I hope you feel surrounded by much love.
Peggy Fitzgerald
November 29, 2017
Dan was a true gentleman always a smile on his face.Very good actor and was a proud member of SAG AFTRA.Godspeed.
RIP Dan
Jay Amor
November 29, 2017
My heart goes out to you in the loss of your Dad. I remember auditioning with him through the years and seeing him and the Hang at PAAF Meetings. My fondest memory was working with him in the film RIPPLES in which he played my boss. Heaven is surely Richer with Dan...
Darci Osiecky
November 28, 2017
Dan was always a ray of sunshine. His positive attitude was infectious.
Cheryl Louden-Kubin
November 28, 2017
Dan and I met through acting and bonded through our joint experiences with Cymballet. He was the consummate professional and a true gentleman. You'll be missed big guy! Thanks for sharing your heart and gifts with so many of us.
Phyllis Cambria
November 28, 2017
Dan was an exceptional friend.
May he Rest In Peace.
Jim McLaughlin
Dan was an exceptional friend.
May he Rest In Peace.
Jim McLaughlin
November 28, 2017
So many memories of Dan, Miami at it's finest...
Cathy Celmer
November 28, 2017
I remember Dan as a true professional and a gentle teacher to this long-ago rookie actor. Thank you. You will be missed, Sir.
Kenneth Kay
November 28, 2017
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May your precious memories of your time together help with the pain. May God comfort your hearts and give you peace. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
November 28, 2017
Runway fashion shows starting in the late 70s at Westland Mall where I was markeing director. Dan was The Best! On to The Falls, then Dadeland where Dan brought forth his talents and helped showcase South Florida's finest retailers! Happy memories celebrating our mutual success over margaritas at El Torito! Those were the days, my friend. Will miss you. Heaven just gained a wonderful Irish tenor! Phyllis W.
Phyllis Webber
November 27, 2017
Dan was a great friend and mentor of mine for almost forty years. I served with him for years when he was was President of the he Miami SAG Local. We also co-founded the Professional Actors Association of Florida together. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his son, Michael.
Rod Ball
November 27, 2017
I am very sad to hear that my good friend Dan has passed. So many great times we had. From working on sets as actors, to live performances and making the south Florida's acting community a better place through The Professional Actors Association Of Florida. Dan always watched after me. I am honored and blessed to have had Dan as a part of my life.
TR Durphy
November 27, 2017
Dan was a true gentleman and entertainer. Remember Dan as emcee for all our Emerald Society festivals, parties, socials...he always demonstrated the gift of gab or "Irish blarney". Will miss him.
Noel Stillings
November 27, 2017
Dan was one of the kindest and gentlest of men. He was always so happy when he came into the office for a Board Meeting. He loved children and participated in Bookpals for many years. He will be truly missed.
Eileen Neel
November 27, 2017
A pleasure to have shared a set with you Dan. You had the best stories to tell. On to the next project.....
Marc Macaulay
November 27, 2017
I am so sorry for your great loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" (Isaiah 61:1, 2) sustain your family during this challenging time. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
EG
November 26, 2017
I am so sorry to read of Dan's passing. He was always a gentleman and a consummate professional. He will be missed.
Lori W
November 26, 2017
My most sincere condolences.
Michael Kenny
textile Assoc.
Michael Kenny
November 26, 2017
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Van Orsdel Funeral & Cremation Services - Coral Gables4600 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33134
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Van Orsdel Funeral & Cremation Services - Coral Gables4600 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33134
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