Raymond Fitzgerald

Raymond C. Fitzgerald died at home peacefully on March 5, 2016 at the age of 98. The oldest son of Dr. Leo and Winifred La Mere Fitzgerald, he was born December 9, 1917 and raised on the east side of Detroit. Preceded in death by his wife Virginia, the mother of their children, their son Brian and his brothers Robert and Bernard. He is survived by his loving wife of over 40 years Patricia, his son Patrick (Constance), and daughters Keven (Kenneth) Burchfield and Kathleen (Martin Tata) Fitzgerald, grandchildren Andrew (Marcie) Burchfield, Emily Burchfield, and Kathy Baird and great-grandchildren Abigail, Charlie, Maggie, Dahlia, and Nicolette. After graduating from St. Catherine’s High School, Ray attended Notre Dame University and the University of Detroit. His senior year in college he enlisted in the Army Air Corp Aviation Cadet Program. In December, 1941 he earned his officer’s commission and served 5 years during World War II retiring at the rank of Captain. After the war, Ray became involved in the retail home furnishing business, ultimately becoming a partner and President of Daly Brother’s Furniture with locations in Dearborn and West Bloomfield. The company merged with Jacobson’s Stores in 1968 where he became Vice-President and a Director. He left Jacobson's in 1974 to become President of Klingman’s Furniture in Grand Rapids where he worked until he retired in 1980. Ray and Patricia moved to Ann Arbor where Ray resumed his association with Jacobson’s until retiring again in 1984. Ray excelled and enjoyed athletic activities of all types including amateur boxing in the Golden Gloves era, rowing at the Detroit Boat Club, playing baseball, racquet ball, squash and bowling. Ray played golf into his 90’s. He played varsity football in high school and at the universities of Notre Dame and Detroit. He was a member of Barton Hills Country Club, Ann Arbor Rotary, and was a life-time member of the Detroit Athletic Club. He was a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. A gentleman in the true sense, Ray was dearly loved and respected by his family, friends and business associates. His honor, dignity, and compassion for others leave a lasting imprint on all who knew him. His sense of humor and the sparkle in his eyes remained bright throughout his long life. Friends are invited to join Ray’s family to celebrate his wonderful life. There will be a visitation at the Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor on Wednesday, March 9 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Further visitation at 11:30 a.m. and a Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 10 at 12 noon at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church located at 2250 E Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, Michigan. A luncheon will follow at The Ann Arbor City Club located at 1830 Washtenaw Ave. Donations in remembrance of Ray may be made to Catholic Social Services of Ann Arbor or Arbor Hospice. Arrangements under the direction of Muehlig Funeral Chapel, Ann Arbor, MI.