Gary Lee Fitzgerald

Gary Lee Fitzgerald, a man whose life was marked by a profound love for the simple joys and the people around him, passed away on December 21, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on April 15, 1951, Gary's journey through life was distinguished by his kind-hearted nature and his passion for all things automotive, especially his cherished '55 Chevy.
Gary's love for old cars wasn't just a pastime; it was a central part of his identity. He found joy in the roar of a NASCAR race and the drama of WWE Wrestling, his enthusiasm for his interests was contagious, and he never missed an opportunity to share his passions with friends and fellow enthusiasts.
In his leisure, Gary was an avid model car builder, creating intricate replicas of classic automobiles with a steady hand and an eye for detail. Traveling was another of Gary's pleasures; he reveled in the discovery of new places, the sampling of local cuisines, and the excitement of planning his next adventure. No matter where his travels took him, he always found comfort in the familiar taste of iced coffee, a simple pleasure that became a signature part of his daily routine.
Above all, Gary was a man who loved fully and was fully loved in return. His kindness was as natural as breathing, and he approached every person and every situation with a loving heart. As the saying goes, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give," a sentiment attributed to Winston Churchill that Gary embodied every day. He gave his time, his attention, and his care to everyone he met, leaving a legacy of love and kindness that will outlive him.
He leaves to cherish is memory his wife, Delores Ann Fitzgerald of Morehead City, NC; daughters, Melissa Fitzgerald of York, PA, Monica Grimm of Garner, NC and Ginger (Elec) Dickerson of Newport, NC; sons, Jeremy Fitzgerald (April Lynn) of Newport, NC and Jamie Hensley; step daughters, Wendy Thomas (Ron) of Oxford, NC, Cara Lynn Mason (Gilbert) of Beaufort, NC, Jennifer Allison Cook (Hank) of Newport, NC, Ashley Marie Smith (David) of Havelock, NC; step-sons, Christopher Thomas of Morehead City, NC and Paul Alexander Thomas of Wilson, NC; sisters, Ruby Cashion, Peggy Moore, Mildred Bullock, Joyce Brown Carter and Joan Alexander all of VA; brother, Joe Fitzgerald Jr. of VA; grandchildren, Britney Utley, Destiny Smith, David Smith Jr., Alexander Smith, Aaron Hirsch, Raina Hart, Haley Mason, Zoey Mason, Jeremy Fitzgerald Jr., Nicole Foster, Dante Williams and Abigail Grimm; great-grandchildren, Piper Smith, Jason Hirsch, Saya Cook, Kali Owen, Belle Mandoza and Jual DeLao Jr.
A Celebration of Gary's Life will be held at a later date.
Gary Lee Fitzgerald, a man whose life was marked by a profound love for the simple joys and the people around him, passed away on December 21, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on April 15, 1951, Gary's journey through life was distinguished by his kind-hearted nature and his passion for all things automotive, especially his cherished '55 Chevy.
Gary's love for old cars wasn't just a pastime; it was a central part of his identity. He found joy in the roar of a NASCAR race and the drama of WWE Wrestling, his enthusiasm for his interests was contagious, and he never missed an opportunity to share his passions with friends and fellow enthusiasts.
In his leisure, Gary was an avid model car builder, creating intricate replicas of classic automobiles with a steady hand and an eye for detail. Traveling was another of Gary's pleasures; he reveled in the discovery of new places, the sampling of local cuisines, and the excitement of planning his next adventure. No matter where his travels took him, he always found comfort in the familiar taste of iced coffee, a simple pleasure that became a signature part of his daily routine.
Above all, Gary was a man who loved fully and was fully loved in return. His kindness was as natural as breathing, and he approached every person and every situation with a loving heart. As the saying goes, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give," a sentiment attributed to Winston Churchill that Gary embodied every day. He gave his time, his attention, and his care to everyone he met, leaving a legacy of love and kindness that will outlive him.
He leaves to cherish is memory his wife, Delores Ann Fitzgerald of Morehead City, NC; daughters, Melissa Fitzgerald of York, PA, Monica Grimm of Garner, NC and Ginger (Elec) Dickerson of Newport, NC; sons, Jeremy Fitzgerald (April Lynn) of Newport, NC and Jamie Hensley; step daughters, Wendy Thomas (Ron) of Oxford, NC, Cara Lynn Mason (Gilbert) of Beaufort, NC, Jennifer Allison Cook (Hank) of Newport, NC, Ashley Marie Smith (David) of Havelock, NC; step-sons, Christopher Thomas of Morehead City, NC and Paul Alexander Thomas of Wilson, NC; sisters, Ruby Cashion, Peggy Moore, Mildred Bullock, Joyce Brown Carter and Joan Alexander all of VA; brother, Joe Fitzgerald Jr. of VA; grandchildren, Britney Utley, Destiny Smith, David Smith Jr., Alexander Smith, Aaron Hirsch, Raina Hart, Haley Mason, Zoey Mason, Jeremy Fitzgerald Jr., Nicole Foster, Dante Williams and Abigail Grimm; great-grandchildren, Piper Smith, Jason Hirsch, Saya Cook, Kali Owen, Belle Mandoza and Jual DeLao Jr.
A Celebration of Gary's Life will be held at a later date.