John Walter Fitzgerald

John Fitzgerald of Apple Valley passed away on 31 Oct at the age of 90. He was born in Cudahay WI in 1927, but spent most of his childhood in Kent OH. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1944. John was selected for the second “Maverick” class of Seaman to Admiral and was commissioned as an officer in 1955. He rose to the rank of Commander of Mine Div 93. He was a veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Among his many awards was the Bronze Star, with Combat V. He retired from the Navy after 27 years. While in the Navy, John met and married his beautiful wife Frances in 1960. They had three children, John, Rita, and Frances. After his retirement in 1971, he moved his family to Apple Valley. While John had a very distinguished career in the Navy, he also had a passion for learning styles and education. He earned a doctorate in Instructional Technology, which he used to develop curriculum for reading programs used in local elementary schools. During his 20 year tenure in the education field, he taught elementary students in Lucerne Valley, George Air Force Base and Adelanto. He also was instrumental in developing the maintenance training program for the Navy’s F/A-18 fighter jet. After retirement, he continued his service to the community by volunteering for Citizens On Patrol for the Apple Valley Police Department. John was a long time fixture at Our Lady of the Desert Catholic Church. He served as Eucharistic Minister, Deacon, and graduated from Stralling Leadership Institute to continue to serve the parishioners of the High Desert. He is survived by his children, John, Rita, and Frances, 4 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Nov 7 4pm-8pm at Desert View Mortuary in Victorville. Funeral services will be held on Wed, Nov 8th at 11am at Our Lady of the Desert Catholic Church with a rosary held at 10:30am. A graveside service at Desert View Cemetery will be conducted after the funeral with a reception to follow.