Obituary for Gary R. Fitzgerald

Gary R. Fitzgerald, age 85 of Kenton, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Cyclone, PA on September 20, 1939, to the late Merle Fitzgerald and Helen (Crise) Fitzgerald.

Gary married Rosemary (Wood) Fitzgerald on August 6, 1960 and she survives along with children Jane (Mike) Murray of Indian Lake, Peggy Sue (Jim) Newkirk of Ada, David (Jacqualine) Fitzgerald of Kenton; sister Jane (George) Georgiades of Florida; 11 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by son John A. Fitzgerald and two brothers, Neil E. Fitzgerald and Fred E. Fitzgerald.

Gary was a graduate of Naples High School in New York, class of 1958. He first began his career as an oil well driller as an employee with his father’s company at M.E. Fitzgerald. He then worked for Eastman Kodak in Rochester, N.Y., then established Fitzgerald Brothers Company for water well drilling. In 1977, the family moved to Ohio where Gary joined Fred E. Fitzgerald Drilling Company in Mount Gilead. He was a part of many organizations in New York and Ohio. He was a past Mastor Mason with the Free Masons, past member of the Kenton Elks, past Rotary President, and a former Justice of the Peace in the state of New York. He was an active Shriner and a member of St. John’s Church.

He was very kind and generous to a fault. He was conscientious of others, often putting everyone before himself. He was a beloved father and grandfather. He loved fishing, bowling, golfing, and completing Sudeko puzzles.  

Private services will be held at a later date at the discretion of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Universal Home Health Hospice in Kenton, or to Shriner’s Hospital in Gary’s memory. Online condolences can be expressed to the Fitzgerald family by visiting stoutcrates.com.