Neil Edwin Fitzgerald, age 77, was born on Sept. 24, 1942 in Holly, MI to William and Leola Higgs Fitzgerald. He passed away on July 22, 2020. He is survived by his loving family and friends.
Neil was a people person! He enjoyed life and had fun in every moment! He loved being on the water and got his biggest grin from being called “Captain Neil” of the Irish Rover. Captain Neil loved to tell stories true and old of his rich Irish heritage and numerous Fitzgerald Family moments. Father, Friend, Brother, Grandpa, you will be greatly missed and know your legacy will carry on!
“AHOY! Captain Neil of The Irish Rover. AHOY!”
Oh my dear Grandpa Neil😢. My only grandfather I’ve ever known. Even though you didn’t have too, you took me in as your granddaughter. You taught me how to dance, you taught me how to fish and so much more. Even though I was too young to remember the campground days, I always loved listening to the stories you would tell when I was with you. I love looking at all the pictures that hold many beautiful memories we had together. You were always there for me and always put a smile on my face. You survive through your two great grandsons. They absolutely love the water and absolutely love fishing 🎣. I wish I could of come down to Tennessee more often with my family to visit and fish, but time just got away from us. I will always love you and forever be grateful you took me in as your granddaughter. I will forever miss you 😘. Love forever and always, Granddaughter Leslie Matich Zarcone
What a beautiful tribute. You will be greatly missed. Love you Dad
I am saddened to hear about my step fathers death he was the only father I knew he came into my life when I was 12 and has been there most of my life. I know he had a heart as big as he was he will be greatly missed. Love you my father Rest In Peace I know Donna was there with open arm’s.
The past 28 years have gone by in the blink of an eye. So many memories, so many good times. A lifetime of love and laughter. We have lost the anchor that kept us grounded as a family, no one will ever fill his shoes or the space he leaves in our hearts. I was as close to Neil as I was my own father, the hours we spent together are precious memories. His stories will be kept alive at Fitzgerald family gatherings for years to come, and the Irish pride he instilled in his son runs strong through the veins of his grandchildren, a part of their very essence, His legacy lives on. I’m truly going to miss him.
I love you Grandpa. I’ll miss all our memories. Spending new years with you in North lake and weeks with you and dad in Tennessee summer.
I remember the first time I met Neil. Unfortunately, it was right after Donna passed away ( it was when I was working at the Beef and Barrel). After that day, he’d come in and sit over to the side of the bar, only let me order his food, even if I was off duty. Hamburger, med-rare, huge slice of onion. Slowly, I had him coming over to the group of regulars to meet and converse with them. He’d always from then on come in for his 2 MGDs and usually his burger. He became friends with many others in Crossville, that enjoyed him. Then, I became his neighbor, too. We would have our nightly chats on my front porch, and I learned so many things about his life and we discussed life, in general. He was a smart man, a caring man, and he was proud. We would watch over each other and give opinions and suggestions about situations. He brought me to my first gun show, and I learned about that love of his. We were both from Chicago, and I think that connected us to seeing many things in the same light. We thought about opening our own restaurant/ bar where we would serve Carey’s and his special chili coney dogs. I hated seeing him decline, but as I called him “ my stubborn mule”, he always said he was ok. I am going to miss my great friend dearly. I still hate not seeing his truck with the Trump decal ( that he was estastic when I gave it to him) driving around. I hate not being able to see him. I pray he is living peacefully up above and sharing his love with the other angels. RIP Neil. You will always remain in my heart.
I’ll miss my brother, 18 months older, but I’ll always remember the time growing up with him, riding motorcycles with him and Donna, fishing and all the things brothers do. Gone to meet Donna, RIP bro”.