OBITUARY
John J Fitzgerald
March 1, 1940 – August 8, 2017
John J Fitzgerald, 77, of Grand Prairie, Texas passed away August 8, 2017. He was born in New York, NY on March 1, 1940 to Joseph and Frieda Fitzgerald.
John grew up on Long Island and after doing some traveling he settled back on the Island. He fell in love with Valerie and they were married for 40 years. John was an over the road truck driver with Yellow-Freight who transferred him down to Texas in 1997. He retired in 2006 and used his free time volunteering with CASA (Court Appointed Children's Advocate). In 2015 when his wife developed cancer he devoted his time to taking care of her. There were three things in his life that he loved besides his wife: the NY Yankees, Dunkin' Donuts and his Ipad.
He is survived by his wife Valerie Novak Fitzgerald, son John Fitzgerald Jr., daugthers: Laurie Stewart and her husband, Michael, Claire Perez, Lisa Novak; grandchildren: Rebecca Stewart, Lisa Cinque and Daniel Stewart.
Services
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Funeral Service
Saturday, August 19, 2017
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Visitation
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Memories
John J Fitzgerald
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYClaire Perez
May 31, 2018
Hi my dearest Noosie, I can't wait till the day arrives that thinking of you doesn't leave a sucking chest wound. God, I'm a wordsmith and I can't begin to describe how you are missed by so so many. Do you have any idea how many lives were touched in light by knowing you and your love?
You'd be so proud of Mom. She passed her road test (don't ask) and Laurie and Michael have provided her a home with shelter, love and all the marzipan she can tolerate. And they keep the Kaddy in great, I mean working, condition. Lisa is taking her to CA to visit Auntie J this week. So, mostly Mom just misses you and is lost without you. When she stumbles, we're here to stabilize and right her gait. You know our Mumpkie, she'll pull away, teeter and totter till she rights her own gait and stands on her own.
Love you and miss you my Noosie and from a grateful daughter today, Fathers Day and thru the years.
PS. Drop me a line sometime.
February 16, 2018
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant and gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all born to shine as children do.
We were born to make manifest the Glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
- M. Williamson
Claire Perez
February 9, 2018
From Dottie to John:
Missing you my Brother from another Mother!
You left in a hurry enroute to Heaven
I never got a last hug or a teddy bear squeeze --
And now I am lost
You are so missed and I am saddened that I can no longer hear your voice or come to Dallas and hang with you.
You will always be in my heart, and no one can ever take your place.
Bye my Johnny.
Claire Perez
February 8, 2018
Antoinette Lane
February 7, 2018
Dear Valerie, Deepest heartfelt sympathy to you and Laurie, Claire, and Lisa. Wishing you strength and comfort in your memories. Love.
Claire Perez
February 6, 2018
Born to Jimmy and
Valerie
Child of Valerie and John
Now a daughter of immeasurable heartache and pain, my family bound together knowing we will never be the same.
I'll see you again Noosie, till then I carry you, your love and your smile all the days of my life
October 29, 2017
Heartfelt condolences are extended to your family at this difficult time. Seek the love and support God provides to help you cope during this time - Psalms 29:11
Valerie Stewart
October 2, 2017
Lisa
September 12, 2017
It's hard to believe you've been gone a month, but we'll love you forever ❤❤❤❤❤
Laurie Stewart
September 10, 2017
True love never dies.
Laurie Stewart
September 10, 2017
It doesn't seem so long ago that you and my Mom met.
Laurie Stewart
September 10, 2017
Here is one of our favorite pictures of you two.
August 14, 2017
I am so sorry to hear this. I had the honor to be his CASA Supervisor as he advocated for the children he helped while being a CASA Advocate. There are many lives he touched and changed the course of their futures. Speaking for myself and the lives he touched as an CASA Advocate, thank you John for a job well done.
Rebecca Rios Ten Doeschate
Dallas CASA Supervisor
Ben Wilkins
August 14, 2017
John was an active child advocate at Dallas CASA. He was passionate about helping families recover from the worst circumstances and fiercely devoted to protection and safety for children. He made every visit, went to every court hearing and did everything he did with his trademark humility, kindness and sense of humor. I have never met anyone else quite like him, and I will remember him always. All of us who knew him will miss him.
Charlie Garcia
August 13, 2017
You will be missed. I feel blessed to have met and got to know you and your lovely wife, Valerie for the last 6 years. I love you.
Elizabeth Rheams-Shaw
August 13, 2017
I'm sorry that I never had the honor of meeting you, but I did get to know you through your daughter and grandchildren. I know that they loved you dearly and will miss you. My thoughts and prayers are with your wife, children and grandchildren.
Laurie Stewart
August 13, 2017
Goodbye Noosie. There will never be a Dad as wonderful as you. I will miss you always.
Lisa Novak
August 13, 2017
Good by sweet Noosie. I can't begin to tell you how much I miss and love you. I am so proud to be your daughter. I'll never forget our last hug goodbye back in June. -- Lisa