Robert S. Fitzgerald, 80, of Lafayette, died at 7 a.m. Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at his residence.
He was born October 19, 1931, in Lafayette, to the late John and Stephania Altpeter Fitzgerald.
He served in the United States Army from January 22, 1954, to December 1, 1955.
He graduated from Stockwell high School in 1949 and Lafayette Business College.
On January 21, 1956, he married Shirley Farley at St. Mary Cathedral in Lafayette and she survives.
Robert was employed at Rea Magnet Wire for 42 years, retiring as a purchasing agent.
He was a member of St. Mary Cathedral where he served on the Building Committee, and was a member of the Serra Club and the Rea Wire 25 year club.
Surviving along with his wife are children, Kevin Fitzgerald, of Cincinnati, Michelle “Shelly” (husband: Gary) Henriott, of Lafayette, Mark (wife: Beth) Fitzgerald, of Georgetown, Patrick Fitzgerald, of Daytona, Fla., Kathy (husband: Tim) Eason, of Andrews, Texas and Pam (husband: Joe) Lueken, of Bloomington; brothers, Larry (wife: Marge) Fitzgerald, Patrick (wife: Mary Lou) Fitzgerald, Max (wife: Nancy) Fitzgerald, all of Lafayette, Steve (wife: Charlene) Fitzgerald, of Chelsea, Mich.; 18 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandson.
He was preceded in death by a grandson Oliver and brothers Vincent, Donald, Dick and Tim Fitzgerald.
Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday July 19, 2012, at St. Mary Cathedral with Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 20, at St Mary Cathedral; Fr. Eric Underwood officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery.
Those wishing may contribute to the St. Elizabeth Hospice, Care Giver Companion or St. Mary CCD Program.