Richard Lee Fitzgerald

It is with great sadness that the family would like to announce the passing of Richard Lee Fitzgerald. Richard, “Dick” to his family and friends, passed away on Thursday morning, May 23, 2024, at the age of 79 in Wilmington, NC.

Richard was born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 24th, 1945, to Raymond and Betty Strickland Fitzgerald. After graduating from High School in Ohio, Richard joined the Air Force where he proudly served as a radar technician. He married the love of his life, Joan (Brooks) Fitzgerald in 1966. They had two children together and also adopted dozens of cherished animals during their marriage. In 1981 Richard took a job with GE Aviation and moved his family to Wilmington, NC where he lived until his passing.

In his spare time Richard enjoyed Bowling, Bingo, Golf, and Softball. He was also an active member of the local Elks and Moose lodges. In his later years, his grandchildren and great grandchildren were the truest joy of his life.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Raymond (Ray) Fitzgerald and Betty Strickland Fitzgerald Foltz, his brother Dale Fitzgerald, and his beloved wife of 53 years, Joan Fitzgerald.

Richard is survived by his daughter Cathleen Herman (Royce), his son Kevin Fitzgerald (Jenni) and his sister Patricia Helsel (Gary). Richard also leaves behind four grandchildren, Susan (Anthony), Ryan, Kayle, and Tyler (Fayvionne) as well as seven great-grandchildren, Jariya, Aryanna, Kobe, London, Aiyden, Zoe, and Makaylee.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life service that will be held on Saturday, June 1st at 3:00pm at Andrew's Mortuary Valley Chapel at 4108 S. College Rd. Wilmington, NC 28412. A one-hour visitation for all family and friends will immediately precede the service at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, Richard previously requested that donations be made to either the Moose or Elks lodge in Wilmington, NC.