John W. Fitzgerald

The Rev. John W. Fitzgerald, 87, husband of Jan H. Fitzgerald, died January 12, 2011.

Born in Frankfort, Indiana, January 20, 1923, Mr. Fitzgerald was the son of the late Francis Michael Fitzgerald and Lena Spray Fitzgerald. He was predeceased by his first wife, Theda Fitzgerald Pagan and their infant son, Patrick Fitzgerald.Surviving, in addition to his wife, Jan, are his sister Jean F. Wogan of Florida, and two daughters Kathy F. Adams and husband Dennis of Boulder Creek, CA; Stephanie Meyers and husband Carl of Elizabethton, TN; a son, John Fitzgerald, Jr. of MD: seven grandchildren, Dr. Eloa Adams and wife, Agnieszka of San Fransisco, Jonas Adams of San Fransisco, Micheal Adams of San Fransisco, Erin and Blake Arnette of Boulder Creek, California, Abby and Will Meyers of Elizabethton, TN, Shawn Fitzgerald of MD, (2) greatgranddaughters, Sierra and Stella Arnette of California.Mr. Fitzgerald, a World War II veteran, served in the Normandy invasions and the Battle of the Bulge where he received two purple hearts. Following military service, John continued his college education at Asbury College in Kentucky, and earned his Masters of Divinity at Drew Theological Seminary. He was ordained to the Episcopal Priesthood in 1952. He served parishes in Baltimore, Maryland, New Jersey, and The Falls Church Episcopal, Falls Church, Va.Most of us know Father John as Rector and Associate at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 1993-2009 and chaplain at Grace Hospital 1994-2000. John touched the lives of many in the communities of Lake James and Burke County thru his ministries, baptisms, weddings, and community service. For John, St. Paul’s was the crown jewel from a lifetime of service to the Lord and his fellow man. He will truly be missed.Visitation will be Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 1:00 PM in Fitzgerald Hall at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Memorial service will follow at 3:00 PM, at St. Paul’s Church with Rev. Dr. Alfred T.K. Zadig officiating. Memorials may be made to Grace Ridge Friendship Fund in care of Grace Ridge Retirement Center 500 Lenoir Road, Morganton, NC 28655. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1865 North Powerhouse Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.