Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Richard Mario FITZGERALD

Richard FITZGERALD Obituary

FITZGERALD, Richard Mario
February 23, 1947 - August 15, 2011
Richard Mario Fitzgerald born in San Francisco to Todd and Ruth Fitzgerald. Passed away Monday Aug. 15, 2011 after a courageous nine-month battle with esophageal cancer.

Raised in Seattle, WA, Rich's enthusiasm for music began in grade school when he created his own personal "hit" charts to distribute to classmates. As a teen, he took his first music job at a record warehouse stocking orders, which eventually led to other industry positions. His passion to be surrounded by people who loved music paved the way for his accomplished 30+ year music industry career as VP & Sr. Executive in marketing and promotion at RSO, Geffen, Warner Bros. and Reprise records.
Rich leaves behind his beloved wife of 24 years, Mary Prout Fitzgerald, son Hunter, and daughter Sloane; mother Ruth Mazur, brother Todd; as well as his loving nieces and nephews, extended family, and countless friends. His generous spirit, unparalleled kindness, and infectious laugh will be greatly missed by all.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Aug. 18 to Aug. 21, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard FITZGERALD

Sponsored by Mary, Hunter, and Sloane Fitzgerald.

16 Entries

September 11, 2011

My deepest condolances, to Richards family. I am deeply saddened by such sorrowful news. This man was a great person who loved his family deeply and was such a fun outgoing person ,who made you feel so comfortable around him , It was a pleasure to know him and to cut his hair for many years. He was warm and sincere, a real person. He did such a good job at raising his children he was their 100 percent for them. He will be greatly missed! Michele and Hariv Markus, Valencia Calif.

Melinda Opocensky

August 31, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you all, God Bless always.. Rich, I remeber how you made me smile, and enjoyed the new up and coming music that made us dance and sing... Love you always, your cousin Melinda xo

melinda opocensky

August 31, 2011

My name is Melinda Opocensky, I think richard would be considerd my second cousin, it is my moms Sylvia Laras first cousin. I am at a loss, I have been trying to reach family members, please call me, i send my sincere apologies, prayers, i remember richard like it was yesterday, living at auntie ruths house when i was little, he would share his love of music with me, and always so loving and kind, there is so much more to share, i only wish i could of spent more time with the extended family. please get in touch with me, melinda opocensky, 650 678 4030, i have tried to contact aunt ruthy, and todd, peace and love mel

Simone Seydoux

August 31, 2011

I just heard about Rich's passing and I'm so sorry. I read the beautiful piece his daughter wrote and I agree - she is blessed to have had such a wonderful father and it's obvious she is cut from the same cloth. I send my very best to his family. I worked at Warner Bros in a department that would interact with Rich's and I have to say he was truly one of the nicest guys ever - friendly to everyone. And, he was always so energetic and really full of life - his enthusiasm for music and his work was contagious. I was happy to run into him on Facebook but, as happens there, it's more just a way to give a big hello to someone you know and you don't keep up. I'm so very sad to hear this news.

John McAlister

August 29, 2011

Richie was one of the nicest people I have ever had the opportunity to know...let alone be allowed to work for him. His heart was as big as the state of Texas and always took the time to listen. My condolences to you, Mary, and to your children.

August 29, 2011

My deepest condolences & prayers. I am very saddened by the news. It has been years since I have seen Richard but will always remember his smile and laugh. He was very loving and he will be missed and remembered always. May God be with you all to bring healing for your family in this time of sorrow. Rest in peace Rich.
Sylvia's daughter ~ Natalie Bryan

Cheryl Wallengren

August 27, 2011

Mary, Hunter and Sloane,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm so sorry I wasn't able to attend the service. Your family was one of the first we met when we moved to Calabasas 18 years ago. Hunter and Brian have been best friends ever since. I so appreciate you and Rich for making him a part of your family. You were there for us, as I would like to be for you.

Penny Mancino-Dabestani

August 22, 2011

A friend once told me that our life here on Earth is just a learning experience for the physical body. Once our goals are completed, we then GRADUATE. I believe Rich graduated with honors!

Bobby Poe, Jr.

August 21, 2011

My sincere condolences to Rich's family on his passing. Rich was a great friend and business supporter to my father and I. When my father passed away in January of this year from throat cancer, Rich had some very kind words to say about him. So I was quite stunned to hear Rich was battling a similar cancer at the same time. Rich, you were one of life's true gentlemen and it's an inspiration to see how loved you are by your friends and family.

Greg Lee

August 21, 2011

Dear Mary- Deeply regret that I was unable to be there on Friday (had a private family health issue to attend to w/ my son and unable to reschedule) but please know we were there in spirit and faith.... There are no words to express the many reasons Richie's spirit enriched our lives at WB, but also as a friend and mentor. To Sloan and Hunter- your Dad ALWAYS set a good example...and we learned to lead by following his good deeds and ways of respecting others, and doing whatever he could to help others. But most of all, his heart was ALWAYS in the right place, and is was always GENUINE..honest, and fair. At the end of the day-you couldn't ask for a better role model. He took me under his wing and let me fly..like so many other 'birds' at Warner Bros. I have many stories (all great ones) about your Dad...but I'll save those for another time...just wanted to reach out- let you know we're thinking of you all...and that Richie will ALWAYS be a part of me...as he is with us all...god bless...xo-
Greg Lee

Earl Jordan

August 21, 2011

Dearest Mary,

While I didn't know Richie as intimately as many others, he nonetheless made a deep lasting imprint upon my life. Sometimes we don't realize the impact people have that we spend 8+ hours a day with as colleagues. I want you to know how grateful and blessed I am to have had the opportunity to cross paths with Rich Fitzgerald. May God richly bless, strengthen, and comfort you, Sloan and Hunter as life takes you forward.

Rest in peace Richie!
Blessings & love,

Jackie Bell

August 20, 2011

Heartfelt condolences to all of the family.

Earl Jordan

August 20, 2011

Dearest Mary

Carol Sneyd

August 20, 2011

Dear Mary-
My condolences to you and your family. I hope you can get some comfort from the fact that you and Rich have a beautiful family and his legacy lives on through this family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Best-
Carol

David Shaw

August 20, 2011

Dear Mary,
Although it had been many years since Rich and I worked together at Warner-Reprise..he made an impression on me as a very warm,straight forward honest, and open guy.He was loved by many and he will be missed by all.My condolences to you and your immediate and extended family.

Alan Smith

August 18, 2011

Dear Mary and the Children;

Richie was a good friend and valued client of mine for over 20 years. We had the most fun together stratigizing how to take his 'left of center' music to middle America. His intelligence and openess were always appreciated by those in my company and I will forever have his memory with me.

Alan Smith

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results