Obituary published on Legacy.com by Falconer Funeral Home - Gilbert on Mar. 27, 2026.
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Michael (Mike) Thomas Fitzgerald, age 55, of
Gilbert, AZ, passed away February 8th, 2026. He is survived by his loving daughter Haley Marie Fitzgerald of
Gilbert, AZ, loving son Braden Thomas Fitzgerald of
Gilbert, AZ, father Michael Todd Fitzgerald, stepmom Mary Helen Fitzgerald of
Sheridan, WY, sister Kristin (James) Wilkerson of
Sheridan, WY, sister Angelene (Steve) Babcock of
Loveland, CO, brother Jimmie (Amanda) Hamilton of
Parker, CO and brother Patrick Shawn Fitzgerald of
Denver, CO, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Mike was born in
Denver, CO to Michael Todd Fitzgerald and Lydia Michelle Arndt on January 24, 1971. As a young boy, Mike was active, friendly, funny, and tough as nails - a kid who loved everyone and was loved right back. Growing up in Denver, he spent his days riding bikes, playing ball, running around with friends, and coming home banged up but never beaten.
From a very young age, Mike loved and played football along with other sports. He was a standout player everywhere he played. He went on to play football at the University of Wyoming (UW) from 1989-1993 where he played as an offensive left tackle with many honors and accomplishments. While attending UW, he met Angela Wolf of
Worland, WY, who later became his wife for 22 years. Their beautiful children Haley and Braden Fitzgerald were born in
Denver, CO and they later moved to
Gilbert, AZ in 2005 where they raised their family in a wonderful neighborhood.
Mike enjoyed the simple things: He loved Sundays in the fall, where he would pick from his collection of jerseys to cheer on the Denver Broncos and fellow University of Wyoming alumnus Josh Allen, whose No. 17 jerseys made up a vast part of the collection. Those afternoons were often spent gathered around the grill with a good BBQ, surrounded by friends and family. Mike was also a proud and devoted parent who rarely missed Braden's football games or Haley's volleyball matches, where his enthusiastic cheers could be heard from anywhere in the stands.
He worked hard his entire life. But beyond his accomplishments, Mike will be remembered for his heart. He was generous, kind, hilarious, and full of life. He lit up every room, made everyone feel welcome, and carried a spirit people never forgot. He loved deeply - his friends like family, and his family more than anything in this world.
Gone too soon. You brought so much joy to so many. We are so proud of you. Your time on earth is done here - and you lived it well. Your legacy will live on through your family, the friendships you built, the stories people will always tell, and most of all, through your two incredible children, who carry your strength, your humor, your personality, your kindness, and your heart.
We love and miss you beyond words. Till we meet again in heaven.
Mike's Celebration of Life
Monday, May 11, 2026 at 2:00pm
Sun Valley Community Church - Student Center Auditorium
456 E. Ray Road
Gilbert, AZ 85296
(If sending flowers, they must be addressed and delivered to the Student Center address above by 1:00pm on Monday, May 11)
Reception will follow the Celebration of Life - 3:15 - 6:30pm
Icons Sports Grill
1475 W. Elliot Rd.
Gilbert, AZ 85233
Donations can be made in Mike's honor at:
University of Wyoming
Cowboy Joe Club
1000 E. University Ave., Dept 3414
Laramie, WY 82071
(307) 766-6242
Donations can also be made online at gowyo.evenue.net/give or cowboyjoeclub.com Checks should be made payable to Cowboy Joe Club.
Cards to the family may be sent in care of:
Falconer Funeral Home
C/O Mike Fitzgerald Family
251 W. Juniper Ave.
Gilbert, AZ 85233