William J. Fitzgerald, '51 - 1919-2007

William J. Fitzgerald of Troy died peacefully at home March 30, 2007, of multiple myeloma.  Born June 16, 1919, in Kalamazoo. 

Beloved husband of Jean (Fitzgerald) Fitzgerald.  Dearest father of Stephen of Houghton Lake, Daniel (Mary Elva Hancock) of San Francisco, California, Sheila (Brian Lysaght) of London, England, Mary (Robert Howard) and Maureen, all of San Francisco, CA.  Grandfather of five loving girls: Maura, Aidan and Eilis Lysaght, and Maeve and Sean FitzHoward.  Dear twin brother of Wilma Willett of Trenton.  Also survived by many fond nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his parents, Edward and Catherine (Schlick) Fitzgerald, brother Edward and sister Frances. 

Graduate of University of Michigan and University of Detroit Law School.  U.S. Army Infantry officer in WW II, awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.  Forty-eight year employee of Allstate Insurance Company.  April marks 54 years’ marriage to Jean, his adored fellow Fitz. 

One of the best of the “Best Generation,” Bill was beloved for tuneless renditions of the Whiffenpoof Song and broad shoulders from which countless children touched the sky. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 3000 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, MI 48207-2334.  View obituary and share memories at www.DesmondFuneralHome.com.