Charles John Fitzgerald

Charlie was born in Rock Island, Illinois to Ida Darlene Sherry and Charles Daniel Fitzgerald. He attended St. Joseph Grade School and Rock Island High School in Rock Island and Kelly High School in Chicago.

While in the Navy and stationed in Olathe, Kansas he met and married the love of his life, Theresa L. Wiederholt in 1958. After serving in Texas, Louisiana, Florida and Guantanamo Bay he was transferred to San Diego. He was a Vietnam veteran stationed at North Island NAS and served in VP-50, VS-38 and VS-41 before retiring after 20 years of distinguished service.

He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Chula Vista and later Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Bonita. Charlie was also a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Paralyzed Veterans of America and was cared for by the Veterans Administration Medical Center in La Jolla for the past 21 years. He survived multiple strokes and was confined to a wheelchair, but he never allowed his severe disability and pain to diminish either his sense of humor or his sense of personal dignity.

He is survived by his wife Theresa (Lee), his daughters Debra Simmons, Maureen (Phil) Gygi, and Donna (Eric) Allen, and his grandchildren Erin, Eric, Sean, Theresa, Sarah, Laura, and his sister Patricia Schmidt. He was predeceased by his parents and his daughter, Theresa Marie.

Vigil and viewing will be on Sunday, 27 March, from 5-9 pm with Rosary at 6:00 pm at Glen Abbey Mortuary, 3838 Bonita Road in Bonita. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday at 1:00 pm at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 450 Corral Canyon Road in Bonita.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either: San Diego Hospice, St. Vincent de Paul Village, Wounded Warrior Project or Paralyzed Veterans of America.