Patrick J Fitzgerald

Patrick J Fitzgerald, age 88, of Woodstock, IL, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on February 3, 2022. 

He was born June 1, 1933, in Chicago, IL to parents John and Margaret (Ford) Fitzgerald. 

Patrick married the love of his life Maureen Gail Costello, in Chicago, on July 20, 1957.  They moved to Woodstock in 1972 where Patrick spent nearly half a century, and lived the rest of his life.

Patrick is survived by his wife Maureen Gail Fitzgerald nee Costello, and his five children, Cindy (Bob) Moore of Glen Ellyn, IL Steve (Kate) Fitzgerald of Pittsburgh, PA, Mike (Renee) Fitzgerald of Seattle, WA Maureen Buss of Lake Mills WI, Dianne (Marquis) Sauvage of Chicago, and 13 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Margaret Fitzgerald; and three siblings Peg Gombas, Jim, and Jack Fitzgerald.

Pat started and ran a Chicago based business Graf Air Freight in 1971.  He also realized his dream of owning a farm in Woodstock. He poured his heart and soul into his land, and filled it with dogs, cattle, and horses. Patrick loved a challenge, and he would try everything at least once. Those who are lucky enough to have known him will tell you he was one of the hardest working, funniest and most caring people they ever met. When he wasn't working on the farm, you could find him with a newspaper, a cup of tea, Maureen by his side, and probably telling one of his famous jokes or stories. With both of his parents from Ireland, Patrick had a strong connection to his Irish heritage. He was passionate about reuniting and visiting extended family in Limerick County, and you could count on him wearing an Irish cap. 

A visitation will be held from 9:00-10:30 A.M on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Saunders Funeral Home & Crematory, 1745 S. Eastwood Drive, Woodstock, IL 60098. Services will be held at St. Patrick Church of Hartland on Sat. March 12, 11:00 A.M. Interment will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Woodstock, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to support leukemia research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 420 E. Superior Street, 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611 or https://www.cancer.northwestern.edu/about/donate-volunteer/. Please include "in memory of Patrick Fitzgerald" in the memo line. For more information, please contact Terri Dillon at Northwestern University at 312.503.4837.

Please add to the online guest book at www.saundersfhc.com.

For more information, call Saunders Funeral Home and Crematory at 815-420-3030.

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