Steven S. Fitzgerald

Steven Samuel Fitzgerald, 74, widower of Gail K. Fitzgerald, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025. 

He was born March 10, 1950 in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of the late Edward P. and Lucille V. Fitzgerald.

Steve/Sammy lived his formative years in Sanford, Florida, graduating second in his class from Seminole High School. He received a Navy ROTC scholarship and attended Auburn University. It was there that he met the love of his life and future wife, Gail. He and Gail moved to Virginia, where he worked for the Staunton News Leader and the Valley Mission until his retirement. They were a devoted couple for 39 years until her passing in 2011. 

He was blessed to have Gail’s children as a treasured part of his family. Surviving are her children, Karen McLeod Hall (Mark), John “Mac” McLeod (Lisa), and Wallace McLeod. 

He was “Grandpa Steve” to their grandchildren Sarrah, Dalton, Terra, John (Joe), Ryan, Amber, Jeremy, Patrick, Brian, Nicole, William (Jackson), Samuel, and Micah. As the family grew, he and Gail were further blessed with numerous great-grandchildren.

He will be fondly remembered by his brothers and their children, who mainly still live in the Sanford, Florida area. They are William Fitzgerald (Michele), Danny Fitzgerald (Ellen), and Michael Fitzgerald. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his oldest brother, Edward Thomas (Tommy) Fitzgerald. 

Steve/Sammy was a much-loved member of the John Thomas/Julia Cash and Samuel/Lottie Fitzgerald families. He had numerous aunts and uncles in the Staunton, Virginia area, along with dozens of surviving cousins. Especially loved was Charlotte Ellinger, who was more like a sister than a cousin.

He was gifted with extraordinary support from his daughter, Karen, and granddaughter, Sarrah, who made it possible for him to continue living in his home the past several years. 

We will remember Steve/Sammy for his gentle, kind ways. He was a quiet, thoughtful soul that was generous and loving. 

A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton. 

Interment will immediately follow at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Valley Mission (1513 West Beverley Street, Staunton, Virginia 24401).