Brian E. Fitzgerald

Brian Fitzgerald Obituary

FITZGERALD Brian E. Fitzgerald, retired Director of Catering and Special Events for the Columns Hotel, passed away at his residence on Friday, October 2, 2009. Brian was a native of New York, New York, formerly resided in Bronxville, New York and has been a resident of New Orleans for the past 30 years. He was a graduate of Fordham College and Founder of The International Croquet Society at Fordham. After college he served in the U. S Navy. He was former associate of the Double Tree Hotel, the International Hotel and the New York City Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. He was a radio personality and known as "Man about Town" from Molly's at the Market, Dan O'Flaherty's to the Columns Hotel and starred as Prince in the film Last Holiday with Smokey Robinson with whom he had great rapport. Survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, Edmund and Lona Fitzgerald of New York, many godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine McVeigh Fitzgerald and Edmund G. Fitzgerald. A celebration of Brian's life will be held at the Columns Hotel, 3811 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA, on Sunday, October 11, 2009 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Please bring your favorite memories to share and sign the memory book that will be available at the celebration. A Memorial Service and Burial will be held in New York at a later date. Guest book may be signed on line at www.schoencanalstreet.com.

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Published by The Times-Picayune on Oct. 9, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Fitzgerald

11 Entries

Joni Regeczi

October 18, 2009

I was shocked to hear about Brian's passing yesterday when we went to the Column's to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary! We had a great wedding, all due to the thoughtful preparation Brian put in to it. Brian was an amazing soul, so sweet, tender and generous, he made us feel like family every time we saw him. He was a true southern gentleman. We will miss him greatly!
Joni and Bruce Regeczi

Elisa Barnett

October 11, 2009

I was so saddened to hear of Brian's passing; I adored waxing poetic with him on many issues. His acerbic wit can only be matched with the greats. I shall miss our "coffee talks" reviewing books, old and new, and of course, films. I can only hope Heaven has an updated dictionary as I am sure Brian will be correcting St. Peter's grammar upon entrance. Godspeed my dear friend and former colleague. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and numerous friends.

Carol Monaghan-Becker

October 10, 2009

It was with shock and great sadness that I learned of the untimely passing of Brian Fitzgerald. Brian was a loyal customer of Molly's at the Market on Decatur Street for many years. He especially loved holding court at Molly's. Time spent when Brian was in attendance was never dull!

To me he was always a gentleman and a scholar!

Former Councilman Johnny Jackson Jr & Family

October 9, 2009

Brian was a beautiful and spirited person who befriended me as a young politician in New Orleans during the 80's. There was never a friend who was so scarcastic but yet truthful. He was naturally New Orleans to the higest degree. We all shall miss him!!

lu mulla

October 9, 2009

Dear Edmond and Lona,
For the thirty years Uncle Brian or Fitz spent in New Orleans, many of us who knew him well became a part of his extended family. He was larger than life and he had a profound impact on us all. We, his friends are too numerous to count and are located all over the country and in Europe. There are countless memories of laughter, literary and movie gatherings and debates at Molly's. His commentary on anything and everything was better than the CBS evening news. We honored him as Godfather to our children, in this case our daughter Brittany, and guardian over our beloved pets (Lucca Brazzi Fitzgerald Mulla , our beloved Boxer) No one ever lost contact with Brian, he wouldn't allow it. He graciously attended all baptisms, communions, graduations and weddings of his friends, and supported us all in our time of need. I have lost a dearest friend. Jim , I and Brittany extend our deepest sympathy to you. Its been years since we met, at Molly's of course, yet he was so very proud to introduce us all to his brother. As the years go by, all of us will realize the impact that he has left upon us. Fitz, i will miss you-Lucia

Louis Lehr

October 9, 2009

Was sorry to read this morning of Brian's passing. I DJ'ed several wedding receptions at the Columns years ago and Brian was a most cordial host.

The funniest thing I remember is that Brian always insisted on making the announcements and introductions himself. The DJ's job was only to play the music and follow his cue. I quickly developed a great respect for his professionalism and attention to detail at these gatherings, which is often found lacking in today's wedding industry.

It was a pleasure to have known Brian and have worked with him.

Louis Lehr
Satellite Mobile Sound

Rocky Hall

October 9, 2009

I will miss you dearly my friend.
Rocky Deblair Hall

ginny warren

October 9, 2009

Dear Edmond and Lona:
There aren't words to describe the saddness we feel as we learned of Brian's passing, all too soon. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. He was so pleased at the birth of my grandson, Hawquin Fitgerald Warren, named in honor of our irrepressable "Uncle Brian". Rest in Peace, dearest Brian. I am certain St Peter welcomes your help in organizing special events in Heaven!
With love and a broken heart...ginny

Beth Orgeron

October 9, 2009

I was so sorry to hear about Brian's passing. He made me laugh everytime he came into the JCC. He will be missed.

October 9, 2009

Sorry For Your Lost Brian Was A Great Person.
The Staff of CCPI.

Don Rhodes

October 9, 2009

I had the pleasure of meeting Brian in 1980 at Mollys at the Market, which began a long and wonderful friendship. Brian was outrageous, outspoken, and a true friend. We'll all miss his wit, his dialogue, his singing, his entertainment. There were no dull moments with Brian. We treasure him for that.
Don Rhodes

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