February 13, 1955 – May 26, 2023
Our Heavenly Father brought to sunset and called into eternal rest, the life of Mr. Steve Russell Fitzgerald on Friday, May 26, 2023.
Steve Russell Fitzgerald was born to the late Ralph E. Fitzgerald, Sr. and Lin J. Fitzgerald on February 13, 1955. He attended Petersburg High School and graduated with the Class of 1973. In January of 1975, Steve joined the U.S. Air Force. During his honorable career, he enjoyed his duty assignments traveling around the world and experiencing new cultures while serving his country. His honorable career spanned over 23½ years before retiring in July of 1998 at the rank of Master Sergeant. Upon retirement from the military, Steve began another stellar career working as contractor. He continued to serve our nation by working for the United States Government in several capacities; ultimately retiring as a civil servant from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Washington, DC as a Senior Training Specialist in 2013.
Steve’s formal educational pursuits included a Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Training from Abilene Christian University and a Master’s of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University. He was a devoted member and licensed Associate Minister of Little Mount Zion Baptist Church in Suffolk, Virginia. Steve enjoyed his family, friends and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a huge sports fan and loved attending his oldest grandson’s football games and cheering him on. Most importantly, he was the Dallas Cowboys #1 fan and loved watching them play.
Steve was preceded in death by his father, Ralph E. Fitzgerald, Sr.; mother, Lin J. Fitzgerald; sisters, Patricia, Barbara, Shirley and Iris; and brothers, Linwood, Horace, Joseph, Glen, Stanley and Alonzo.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 28 years, JoAnn Reid-Fitzgerald of Suffolk, VA; daughter, Danyiele Fitzgerald Peterson (Thurman) of Virginia Beach, VA and sons, Steve R. Fitzgerald II (Kieshea) of Burlington, NJ, and Keith R. Fitzgerald (Kissina) of Greensboro, NC; grandchildren, Brandon Peterson, Grant Fitzgerald and Carter Fitzgerald; sister, Argie M. Williamson (Johnny) of Flint, MI; brothers, Jesse L. Fitzgerald of Winter Park, FL, and Ralph E. Fitzgerald of Petersburg, VA; special niece, RiQueshia L. Harris of Rocky Mount, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends that were all dear to him.
Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Sunday, June 4, 2023, at Little Mount Zion Baptist Church, 3288 Pruden Blvd, Suffolk, VA, the Rev. Horace Bazemore, Pastor and officiating. The interment to follow at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.
The family will receive relatives and friends 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the funeral establishment.
J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.