Thomas Edward FitzGerald, Sr., aged 83, passed away in peace on Friday, August 10, 2018. He was the youngest child of Francis and Marie FitzGerald born on December 31, 1934, in Grand Rapids, MI. Both charming and loyal, he was one of the classiest men you could ever meet. A devoted Irish Catholic, the color green was a constant in his life. Tom was a man who appreciated life and enjoyed its simple pleasures like a Canadian Club or Ketel One on the rocks, watching the Dow Jones close at 4 PM, a round of golf in his green Club Car at Crystal Springs CC, Stonewater CC or watching his beloved Spartans play football. He graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central and later became a proud Michigan State alumnus, where he held football season tickets for nearly 40 years. GO GREEN! Both young and old could learn a life lesson or two from Grandpa Fitz behind the engineering building at the bumper parties. After graduation he went to work in the aerospace industry which gave him the opportunity to travel all over the world. Even after a career spent traversing the globe with quick family moves to Seattle and Dallas, they would ultimately settle down in Grand Rapids where he would retire from General Electric after a nearly 50 years plus career with the same company. Most importantly Tom was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his children, Debbie (Rick) Gaffin, Mary (Steve) VanDenBerge and Tommy (Sandra) FitzGerald; grandchildren, Michael (Shelley), Callie, Kevin, Sam and Macy; great-grandchild, Jaclyn; and devoted partner, Eva Blackford. Visitation will be Thursday, August 16 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM with a Rosary at 7:30 PM at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Friday, August 17 at 11 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1935 Plymouth Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. Rev. Peter Damian presiding. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery. Donations in Tom’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
7 Responses
Sending my thoughts of love to your family. May he rest in peace.
Many fond memories celebrating New Years Eve/ Birthdays with Tom and family. Always a sly smile on his face. Will miss him.
He was always jolly. A lovely dear man.
We had so many fun years while in KBL. He was a very special man and he will be missed. Prayers to all of you.
He lead a genuine life and filled it in with ethical values and Canadian Robutussin. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Looking forward to seeing everybody at the tailgate and offering cheers to an amazing man.
Debbie, Rick and family, I’m so sorry for your loss, your dad sounds like an amazing man. Praying for strength for all if you!
Dearest Tom – you were the best buddy to have at the CC reunions as it was not our class but we had as much fun as they did. I will miss you so much. What a lovely sweet man you were & you & Eva were the best friends to have a wonderful time with.