Peter Jerry Fitzgerald

Peter Jerry FitzGerald, 88, of Chevy Chase, MD passed away peacefully on June 23, in the loving arms of Jeremy, his wife of 58 years. Jerry was born in Washington, DC on July 1st, 1932, the only child of Joseph and Mary Louise FitzGerald. He attended Landon School, Georgetown Prep, and Gilman School, prior to graduating from Bullis School in 1950. He continued his academic career in Charlottesville, commencing his relationship with the University of Virginia.

His athletic skills prospered at the University, where he played Varsity Basketball. He developed great friendships, and was a proud member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. The University instilled a true sense of honor and integrity, particularly through the Honor Code which became paramount in how he would conduct himself for the rest of his life.

Following his years in Charlottesville, feeling compelled to serve his country, he enrolled in the United States Navy and served five years as a single engine airplane and helicopter pilot, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. He was a member of the Navy’s first helicopter squadron, HS1 and authored the Manual for Flight Training and Helicopter Aircraft Carrier Takeoffs and Landings. He learned the life lessons of discipline and accountability during his time in the military, prompting the next chapter in his life.

After considering an extended life in the military, Jerry decided to return to his hometown and begin a career in real estate. He founded FitzGerald Properties in 1959 as a home improvement company in the District of Columbia. The company began renovating homes in Foggy Bottom and The Palisades, and progressed to other areas experiencing revitalization, including Capitol Hill, and DuPont Circle. He bought numerous buildings during the 1960s and 1970s, remembering his attorney father’s counsel that, “Well located properties prospered during the Depression.” His innate instincts for identifying the potential in an investment property served him well as he built a portfolio of properties throughout the District, Maryland, and Virginia. A natural risk-taker, he expanded into land development, and developed several residential communities in Northern Virginia. He also looked for the untapped skills in people while building the staff for the company. He hired young people who were looking for an opportunity, and he was happy to mentor. He was extremely proud that nearly all his staff had a tenure in excess of 10 years, and some stayed with the company until retirement. In addition to his real estate company, he co-founded Chain Bridge Bank in McLean in 2007, and served on its Board of Directors until his retirement.

While his business life was prospering, he met the person who would become the most impactful in his life. He was introduced to Jeremy Hardy while renovating a building in Foggy Bottom for her mother. After a single date, he asked Jeremy for her hand in marriage. Four children and seven grandchildren subsequently arrived. She was his Life Partner, supporting him, his activities, and their children. They volunteered at schools, and served on numerous Boards, contributing time, talent, and financial resources to a variety of causes.

Jerry was devoted to serving his community. He was on the Board of Trustees at Landon School for 20 years, receiving the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2000 and was designated as the first Trustee Emeritus. He donated the funds for the Landon/Holton Arms Jefferson Scholarship at The University of Virginia. He coached multiple youth sports teams, and, just this past Spring, he was recognized for FitzGerald Properties having sponsored a McLean Little League team for 45 years. A true believer in helping the less fortunate, he even built a library for a school in Cambodia, funding its operation for several years.

Jerry felt his time in the Navy had provided him with the foundation for his life, and it was appropriate to give back to a country that had afforded him so much. In addition to being a member of the Tailhook Society, he supported and volunteered for the Yellow Ribbon Fund, assisting injured veterans.

Jerry and Jeremy enjoyed their family home on Georgetown Pike in McLean, their subsequent residence in Chevy Chase, their homes in Rehoboth, particularly Indian Beach, and their residences at The Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo. He was a longstanding member of Columbia Country Club, The Ocean Reef Club, Card Sound Golf Club, and Rehoboth Beach Country Club.

He loved going to sporting events, particularly at Landon and in Charlottesville. His highlight was attending the Cavaliers NCAA Basketball Championship in Minneapolis in 2019.

Above all else, Jerry loved his family. He is survived by his wife, Jeremy; four children, Jeremy, Chip (Martha Blair), John (Laura), Tina (Brad), and seven grandchildren, P.J., Blair, Davis, and William FitzGerald, and Vernon, Schuyler, and Mason Holleman.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 29th at 11:00 am at All Saints Church, 3 Chevy Chase Circle, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Contributions in his memory may be made to Landon School, Landon Veterans Memorial, 6101 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD 20817.