Edmond William Fitzgerald Jr.

Edmond William Fitzgerald Jr., MD, 96, died peacefully on Friday, September 26, 2025.

He was born on September 10, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, to Edmond W. and Edith Thompson Fitzgerald.

A graduate of Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, WI, he followed his father's path to the University of Notre Dame and St. Louis University Medical School.

He married Virginia Lee Brungard in St. Louis, MO on July 17, 1954. He completed his medical residency at Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital in Detroit, MI. He then fulfilled his military commitment serving in the US Army at Fort Wayne dispensary in Detroit.

The plan had been to join his father in a local internal medicine practice with Dr. Thomas Bottomley in Port Huron. However, Dr. Fitzgerald Sr. passed away unexpectedly in 1956. Young Dr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald nevertheless moved to Port Huron in 1961 and Drs. Bottomley and Fitzgerald Jr. had 20-plus years of practicing medicine together. He continued to practice until retirement in 2001.

Dr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald raised their eight children on Lake Huron, where there were motorboats, sailboats, waterskiing, fishing, skating on the Lake and on ice rinks built on the front and back lawns, hockey, tennis, bicycles, and golf. Dr. Fitzgerald was a nearly lifelong member of the Port Huron Golf Club. He shot a remarkable 7 holes-in-one on the course; the last one at age 90.

Most importantly, Dr. Fitzgerald loved practicing medicine in the community of Port Huron. He treasured and respected his colleagues in the office and at both Port Huron (McLaren) and Mercy (Lake Huron) Hospitals, serving alongside the nursing staff to provide the best possible patient care. He especially enjoyed the opportunity to mentor younger doctors and medical students. Dr. Fitzgerald believed firmly in the value of the doctor-patient relationship, listening carefully to the whole story of the patient, and working collaboratively on their care.

Dr. Fitzgerald actively served on the boards of both hospitals in Port Huron. With his friend and colleague, William Dinnen, MD, they initiated the Medical Ethics Committees at each hospital. He was a founding physician of the Blue Water Hospice. After retiring from his private practice, Dr. Fitzgerald volunteered his services at the Peoples Clinic and Blue Water Hospice. He continued with part-time employment at the local hospitals until March of 2023. Dr. Fitzgerald proudly participated in several United Way campaigns and was an avid supporter of the International Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Fitzgerald's adored wife of 71 years, Virginia, passed away on September 16, 2025. He is survived by his eight children; Margaret Harrington (William), Robert (Terry), Virginia, Patrick (Daniela), Constance, John, Elizabeth Thomson (Jeffrey), and Edmond III (Nicole). Twelve grandchildren; Clare Jahromi (Kasra), Kathryn Harrington, Martha Harding (Adam), Mary Grace Sillies (Luke), Mary L Mullen, Joseph Mullen (Judine), Edmond Fitzgerald, McCarrick Fitzgerald, Robert Thomson, William Thomson, James Fitzgerald, and Elaine Fitzgerald. Five great-grandchildren Virginia Harding, Amelia Harding, Josephine Harding, Aubrey Mullen, and Bridgette Sillies. Three new great-grandchildren were eagerly anticipated in the coming months.

Also survived by his beloved sister, Margaret Fitzgerald deSantis, and multiple nieces and nephews: Stephanie deSantis; Michelle Bentley; Michael deSantis; Akira Fitzgerald; Cecilia Bahn; Edward G. Brungard III; Eric Brungard; Susan Weinrich; Daniel Brungard; and their spouses, children, and grandchildren. Predeceased by his parents, Edith and Edmond W Fitzgerald Sr.; his brother, Robert S. Fitzgerald; his brothers-in-law Edward G. Brungard Jr. and Michele deSantis; his in-laws; Virginia and Edward G. Brungard Sr.; and a niece Prudence Brungard.

The family wishes to express gratitude for the care and support of Dr. John Jarad as well as the staffs at Marwood Nursing and Rehab and Blue Water Hospice.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Grace Memorial-Smith Chapel, 1525 Hancock Street, Port Huron, MI 48060. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1331 7th Street, Port Huron, MI 48060. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Port Huron. Those who wish to watch the live-streamed service can do so by clicking the following link at the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Blue Water Hospice, the People's Clinic, or the International Symphony Orchestra.

https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/edmond-fitzgerald-jr-funeral-service

For information and guestbook, visit www.gracemem.com