Joseph C. Fitzgerald

FITZGERALD, JOSEPH C.
We had to say good bye to the rock and patriarch of our family Saturday evening, January 26th, 2008, but we were left with enough of this "special" man's wisdom to help us through this most difficult time. Joe leaves his loving wife, Betty P. (Patty) after 61 wonderful years of marriage, in a relationship that most people can only dream of. Not only was he as near a perfect husband as humanly possible, his life was an inspiration to all of his children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters and all of those fortunate enough to be touched by his life. He recently said "if I had my life to do over again I would do everything exactly the same". He was born December 7th, 1922, in Alvord, Iowa, and considered himself "a poor boy from a small town ." He was born above the print shop on the main street of town and resided there with his parents and five brothers and sisters. The family came to California during the Great Depression and settled in Los Angeles. When his country needed him after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was anxious to volunteer to defeat an empire that was menacing the world. He spent World War II in the Army Air Corps as a B24 bomber pilot. He flew twenty seven missions in the Pacific Theatre. After his return from overseas and finding "the love of his life," he became a Los Angeles City Fire Captain. He also helped establish and run a successful family business. He and his wife traveled extensively during their retirement years and also returned to live part time in another small town in Iowa where they played lots of golf. They resided in Lakeside the past seven years. He is preceded in death by his parents and two of his five siblings. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty, his four children, Terry, David, Steve and Susie, his twelve loving grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, two brothers, a sister, many loved nieces and nephews and many other loving "outlaws" (a word he used for those married into the family but were loved as dearly). He always somehow knew when any of us needed help and was always there for us. He never judged or criticized anyone and never complained about any circumstance of his life. He had the gentlest eyes and the kindest smile. All we can say is, "Thank you Joe, thank you Husband, thank you Dad, thank you Grandpa, May you rest in peace." Per family's request, in lieu of flowers please send donations to: Widows', Orphans' and Disabled Firemen's Fund, 2900 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com