John William Fitzgerald Jr.

John William Fitzgerald Jr. of Elk Grove Village passed away on July 8th after a brief illness. He is survived by his sons Tom (Amy) and Mike (Kelly), grandsons Alex, Jack, Tyler and Charlie and brother Bob (Carol), Don, Lou and his other buddies at McDonald's, his dear friend Wanda Barbre-Johnson, and many wonderful nieces, nephews and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Sr. and Mary, his sisters Nancy, Kay and Pat, his brother Bill, and his partner for 35 years, Sandra Aiello.

John was born in Melrose Park and raised in Maywood. He graduated from Proviso Township High School, then worked many interesting jobs, his favorite being at Kiddieland on North Avenue. He served our country proudly at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He then started a career in the telephone business, describing himself as a "telephone man", working for Centel and for Williams up until his retirement.

John was a longtime member of the Hustlers ski club, traveling with the club to ski all over the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan. He made it known that he preferred winding, groomed trails, none of that "steep stuff." He was an avid train collector and built intricate rails and scenes.

John was known as Jack to his family and John to others until about 2007, when he was nicknamed Pop Pop. His time as a full-time grandpa, watching kids sports, showing up early for every party, bringing loud toys without receipts, visiting Camp Nawakwa, retelling his favorite handful of stories and telling folks how he would have done it created cherished memories that sustain his family.

A visitation for John will be held Sunday, July 13, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 600164611. A funeral service will occur Monday, July 14, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Oehler Funeral Home. Donations in his memory may be made to YMCA Camp Nawakwa

https://www.ymcachicago.org/nawakwa/donate-to-family-camp-nawakwa/