Joseph E. Fitzgerald passed away at home June 15th, 2013 surrounded by his entire family. Joe was born to Art and Nell Fitzgerald on December 27th, 1936 in Chicago, IL. He retired as Sergeant Major from the United States Marine Corps in 1985 after proudly serving 30 years of honorable service. During his time in the Marine Corps, Joe served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with the V device for valor and heroism. After his years of service, Joe worked at Marine Air Federal Credit Union as Director of Member Services for nearly 15 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #19, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and past Commandant of the Marine Corps League Territorial Detachment #635. Over the years Joe enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Legion, golfing, watching & coaching his children and grandchildren in sports, but most of all Joe loved just being with his family.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of forty-five years, Rosemary Fitzgerald of Yuma, AZ; children, Charles (Melissa) Fitzgerald of Queen Creek, AZ, Melissa Fitzgerald of San Diego, CA, Tracy (Jaimey) Polk, Philip (Jennifer) Fitzgerald, and William (Jamie) Fitzgerald all of Yuma, AZ; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Sydney, Abigail, Emma, Jacob, Joseph, Conor, Samuel, Jordan, Rylie, Liam, Eric, and Jackson. He is also survived by his sisters, Denise Jacobs, Ethel McDonough, Geri (Tom) Cousins; brother, Bob (Marge) Fitzgerald; sister-in-law, Kaye Fitzgerald, and brother-in-law, John (Marge) Flinn, as well as 29 nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Nell Fitzgerald; brothers, Ed (Rose) Fitzgerald, Ray Fitzgerald; brothers-in-law, Chuck McDonough and Michael Jacobs; nieces, Jackie and Peggy; nephews, Jimmy and Ray.
Visitation: Thursday June 20th, 2013 from 6:00-8:00pm at Johnson Mortuary 1415 S. First Avenue in Yuma, AZ with rosary beginning at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 21st, at 1:00 pm at Immaculate Conception Parish 505 S. Avenue B in Yuma, AZ with reception following at American Legion Post #19.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Yuma, American Cancer Society or Marine Corps League.
Poppa, you were the best Poppa in the world and we will miss you very much. Until we see you again, our memories of you will fill our hearts. We love you Poppa. Love always, Your Grandchildren.
ONCE A MARINE ALWAYS A MARINE
Semper Fi
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