Matthew D. Fitzgerald

Matthew David Fitzgerald passed away unexpectedly at his home in Sugar Land, Texas on April 29, 2024 at the age of 66. He will be remembered as a man who was highly successful in many endeavors, including as a husband, father, grandfather, athlete, coach and executive. Matt was loved by many due to his wealth of knowledge, wise counsel, generosity and sense of humor.

Standing at over 6 feet 5 inches tall, Matt was larger than life in more ways than one. He was born on November 3, 1957 in Jacksonville, Florida to the late John Edward and Gloria Evans Fitzgerald. Matt was the second of six children and the eldest son. After his father’s death at a young age, Matt became the patriarch of his immediate family, providing help and guidance for his mother, Gloria, and his brothers and sisters for decades to come.

Following graduation from Nova High School in Fort Lauderdale, Matt went on to star in the high jump for the Track & Field team at the University of Florida in Gainesville (only missing the Olympic Trials by one inch!). There, Matt graduated with a Master of Accounting degree and met his wife of over 40 years, Shirley Bonardi Fitzgerald. Matt is survived by his wife, Shirley, two sons, John (Laura) and Ryan (Jenna) Fitzgerald, and his four granddaughters, Emma, Sophia, Caroline and May. Matt also leaves behind his siblings Julie Karp, Brian (Elaine) Fitzgerald, Lisa Fitzgerald, Patricia Fitzgerald and Andrew (Jennifer) Fitzgerald in addition to many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents John and Gloria Fitzgerald, and brother in law Marc Karp.

Matt moved to the Houston area for an opportunity as a public accountant at Ernst and Whinney in 1981. His strong work ethic, inquisitive mind and intelligence enabled him to quickly rise through the professional ranks. He would go on to hold several key finance and executive positions at various oilfield businesses over the years, including Baker Hughes, BJ Services, Veritas DGC and Grant PrideCo. His business success enabled him to retire young in 2008, while serving on various corporate boards. He volunteered throughout the years to various organizations, such as SCORE, where he mentored others on starting their own businesses.

For the last several years, Matt was able to do all the things he loved most: spending time with (and antagonizing) Shirley, boating in the Bahamas, traversing the North Carolina mountains, cooking, playing with the grandkids, traveling to exotic destinations, reading all kinds of books, playing poker (including the World Series of Poker) and competing in pickleball. Most of this was done with Parker, his 10-pound “Cavapoo” dog, by his side.

While he is gone too soon, we can unequivocally say that Matt lived life to its fullest, never one to put anything off. He always kept a spirit of generosity and integrity in everything he did. He touched many people’s lives and brought joy to many, especially his family.