Mike Pierce Fitzgerald, 89, of Victoria, Texas, went to his Heavenly Home on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 2:02 p.m. He was born on January 26, 1936, in DeRidder, Louisiana, to the late Mathie David Fitzgerald and Gladys Verlie Magehee Fitzgerald.
Mike was proud to become Catholic on April 15, 1995, and was a devoted member of Our Lady of Victory Cathedral.
The seventh of nine children, Mike grew up in DeRidder and Lake Charles, Louisiana, where he was well known for his mischievous pranks and adventurous spirit. At just 16 years old, at a time when leaving school was common, Mike set off on a bold journey to Kodiak, Alaska, to work alongside his brother John making king crab traps. He later shared countless thrilling—and sometimes near-fatal—stories of fishing in the Gulf of Alaska. One of the most unforgettable experiences of his life was living through the historic 9.2 megathrust earthquake on March 27, 1964.
Mike eventually moved to Victoria, Texas, where his brother Ike lived. Through friends David and Barbara, he was introduced to the love of his life, Janie Zissa. The two were married on November 27, 1976, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Yoakum, Texas, officiated by Rev. John Peters. Those who attended the wedding will forever remember the bitter Arctic blast that swept in that evening.
Mike adored his children and grandchildren beyond measure. He had a special love for babies and lit up with excitement whenever the grandbabies were around. He proudly embraced his roles as “Pawpaw” and “Papa Fitz.” Mike loved to sing old hymns and classic country music, filling his home with warmth, joy, and familiar melodies.
A very proficient businessman, Mike owned Lone Star Motors and later Mike’s Auto Sales for many years. He earned a reputation as a smart, kind, and honest man—the kind of person everyone wanted as a friend. For the last ten years, Mike worked alongside his wife, Janie, helping her run Hudson’s Engraving, a role he took great pride in.
Mike was an exceptional gardener and was especially proud of the vegetables he grew. He loved to cook and was famous for his gumbo. An avid hunter, he kept the freezer stocked with homemade sausage, and he greatly enjoyed fishing—especially with family and friends aboard his Grady-White at Magnolia Beach.
Mike is survived by his wife of 49 years, Janie Zissa Fitzgerald; daughter, Heather Williams and husband Jason; son, Mike Fitzgerald and wife Carissa; brother, Ike Fitzgerald and wife Sara; sisters-in-law, Vicki Fitzgerald and Joyce Bludau; granddaughters, Lillian “Lilly” Rennae Williams and Penny Lane Williams; grandsons, Titus James Fitzgerald and Elijah Pierce Fitzgerald; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Doris Womack, Henrietta Hebert, Effie Fontenot, Essie Fitzgerald, and Helen Duncan; brothers, Mathie “John” Fitzgerald and Frank Fitzgerald; and grandson, Baby Fitz.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the amazing Harbor Hospice staff, especially Misty, Plechette, Dulce, Rand, and Stacy, as well as Molly’s Helping Hands staff, especially Janice and Mercedes. The family is deeply grateful for the love, compassion, and dedicated care shown to Mike.
Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 pm with Sharing of Memories at 7:00 pm followed by the Rosary at 7:30 pm, officiated by Deacon Matthew Schaefer, at Colonial Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be officiated by The Very Rev. Kirby F. Hlavaty at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 1:00 pm. Burial will immediately follow at 2:00 pm at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his honor to Our Lady of Victory Cathedral or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Words of comfort, condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com.
