Michael (Mike) Fitzgerald

Michael (Mike) Lee Fitzgerald

November 9, 1945 to April 10, 2020

Michael Lee Fitzgerald passed away April 10, 2020 at his home in Santa Clara, Utah of congestive heart failure. He was 74 years old.

Mike was born November 9, 1945 in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Dean Bryson and Pauline Marie (Slay) Fitzgerald. Mike was the oldest of 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls. The family moved from Oskaloosa to Ames, Iowa, then Crystal City, Missouri before settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1962.

Mike graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School in Pittsburgh, PA in 1964. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on February 28, 1966. Of his 3 years of service, Mike spent nearly 2 years in Vietnam. Following his discharge, he attended California State University at Fresno where he earned a degree in Recreation Administration in 1973.

After graduation Mike went to work for Naval Air Station in Lemoore, CA as the Assistant Recreation Director. In 1976 he re-enlisted with the California Army National Guard where he worked for 28 years, the last 15 years as the Chief of Military Pay Operations.  He retired as a Sergeant Major at San Luis Obispo, CA.

Mike met Jayne Gould on a blind date in January of 1999. They were married on August 28, 1999 in Los Osos, California. After his retirement in 2004, the couple moved to Spanish Fork, UT where they lived for five years. From 2009 to 2013, Mike and Jayne lived in Oskaloosa, Iowa. They returned to Santa Clara, Utah in 2013 to be closer to family.

Mike was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed reading, senior softball, walking and traveling in his spare time.

Mike is survived by his wife, Jayne of Santa Clara, his children Michael (Kristin) Fitzgerald of Fresno, CA, Kelsi Fitzgerald, Santa Maria, CA, Paul (Brittony) Shean of Delta, CO, Jay (Vaur) Shean of Aliso Viejo, CA, Kristen (Keith) Coogan of Glendale, CA, and Erin (Adam) Judd of Oxnard, CA; fifteen grandchildren; a brother, David (Sharon) Fitzgerald of Aliquippa, PA, and sisters: Patricia (Daryl) Sporer of Hainesport, NJ and Mary Beth (Lee) Jung of Salisbury, NC.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents.

Interment will be in the Santa Clara Utah Cemetery.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there will not be a public service.