John A. Fitzgerald (78), of Flushing, Ohio and Leesburg, Florida, passed away on February 13, 2013, at his daughter & son-in-law's home, in Sioux Rapids, Iowa. John "Fitz" was born in Holloway, Ohio, on August 23, 1934, to the late Howard Lee and Rebecca (Stephen) Fitzgerald. He attended Holloway School for 11 years, graduating from Flushing High School in 1954. He served four years in the United States Army with the 88th Airborne, attended West Liberty College, and was a Driver Examiner with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, retiring in 1991. Since 1993, he has wintered at the Holiday Travel Resort in Leesburg, Florida. John is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Joanne (Gibson); four children, Jody Tacosik and husband, John of Belmont, Jolene Handy and husband, Rick of Sioux Rapids, Iowa, John K. Fitzgerald and wife, Maryann of Bethesda, and Julie Kildow and husband, Todd of Bethesda; in addition there are 11 grandchildren, Emily Jo and husband, Nate Smith of McConnelsville, Jake Tacosik and Luke Tacosik of Belmont, Jon Fitzgerald McComb and Savanna Jo Handy of Iowa, John K. Jr and Journey Fitzgerald of Bethesda, Ty, Cal, Casey, and Torre Kildow of Bethesda; and two great-granddaughters, Adelyn and Elleigh Smith of McConnelsville. Also surviving are four sisters, Marguerite Howell and Verna Mae Schlatt of St. Clairsville, Hilda Sullivan of Flushing, and Doris Bartley of Lake Park, Iowa; three brothers, David of Pataskala, Denver of Canton, and Michael of Virginia Beach, Virginia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Jonathan Gibson Fitzgerald; sisters, Ruth Shipley, Rosetta Buckles, and Irene Fitzgerald; and brother, Donald Lee. He was an avid sportsman throughout his life, enjoying fishing and horseshoes in his retirement. He served as a member of the Belmont County Health Board and was a member of Flushing American Legion Post 366. He attended Flushing United Methodist Church. Fitz was a proud American and loved to fly his country's flag. Family and friends will be received at Kelly Kemp Braido & Patron Funeral Home, Bethesda, on Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Military Service will be provided by the Flushing American Legion Post 366 and Belmont County Council at 10:45 a.m., prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow at Rock Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, commit to doing an act of kindness in honor of our Fitz. Memorial contributions may be made to: Flushing United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 54, Flushing, Ohio 43977.