John M. "Jack" Fitzgerald

John M. "Jack" Fitzgerald, 87, of Dover passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024, at Ohio's Hospice Truman House in New Philadelphia, surrounded by his loving family. Jack’s departure has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew him, as he was a cherished member of both his family and the local community. Born in Cleveland on May 3, 1937, he was the son of the late John J. and Myrtle (Maxwell) Fitzgerald. 

Jack dedicated his professional life to numerous industries and owned and operated several successful companies throughout his career. Jack was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover. He truly enjoyed giving back to his community. 

An individual of great character and devotion, Jack honorably served our country in the United States Marine Corps. His service is a testament to his steadfast commitment to protecting the freedoms we hold dear. The values instilled in him during his military service shape his legacy as a man of integrity and dedication. 

Jack found immense joy in family life, having shared a loving partnership with his late wife, Denise "Shorty." Shorty died on August 15, 2019. Together, they celebrated the joy of raising ten children, fostering a warm and nurturing environment filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Jack and Shorty were adventurous souls who treasured their time traveling across the United States in their RV, exploring every state in the Union, a passion that cemented their bond and created lasting family traditions.

In addition to his parents, and his wife, Shorty, he was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Peter Fitzgerald, and his sister, Joyce (Larry) Armstrong. 

He leaves behind his children; children; Karen Kuhn of Dover (Dave Kuhn) of New Philadelphia, James (Christine) Fitzgerald of Cadiz, Michael “Fuj” (Ursula) Fitzgerald of Dover, Patricia (Ed) Green of Dover, John “Beav” (Rebekah) Fitzgerald III of Dover, Daniel (Melanie) Fitzgerald of New Philadelphia, Kevin (Julie) Fitzgerald of Dover, Erin Fitzgerald of Dover, Kelli (EJ) Johnson of Tennessee; along with sixteen grandchildren; Alexis Bryant, Joe Kuhn, Robert (Cassie) Fitzgerald and Jason (Ashlynne) Fitzgerald, Jesse (Macie) Green, Lauren (Sean) Pexton, Mazzy Fitzgerald, Ryan (Benjamin) Brodzinski, Ryley, and Raegan Fitzgerald, Merrick and Braeden Fitzgerald, Ethan Heston, Christopher and Nicholas Johnson, Hannah (Logan) Speer; five great-grandchildren, Lyllian and Erixson Bryant, Cole Kuhn, Oliver Green, and Arthur Fitzgerald; along with his sister, Nancy Fitzgerald. He was expecting a sixth great-grandchild in the upcoming months.  

Friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 4-6:45 pm. A Christian Wake service will be held at 6:45 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 11:00 am with Father Jimmy Hatfield officiating. Burial will follow next to Shorty at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Dover. A meal will be served at the Family Life Center. To sign an online guestbook for Jack, visit the obituary link on the funeral home’s website. 

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Ohio’s Hospice Truman House, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio, Rainbow Connection, 119 3rd St NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, or St. Joseph Catholic Church, 613 N. Tuscarawas Ave, Dover, Ohio 44622.