Bob Fitzgerald

Bartow - Bob Fitzgerald, age 66, passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at Kindred Hospital Central in Tampa of post operative complications. Born March 13, 1945 in Saint Louis, MO, Bob was a resident of Bartow for 49 years, moving from Cape Coral, FL, He was a Speech / Language Pathologist for Polk County Schools. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Bartow; Assistant Baseball Coach from 1984-1991; Assistant Softball Coach from 1992-2009 at Bartow High School; member of Lake Region Football Officials Association for seventeen years & an Eagle Scout. Bob is preceded in death by his parents: R.D. & Nadine Fitzgerald. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years: Betty W. Fitzgerald; two sons: Jeff Fitzgerald & wife Crystal of Apopka; & Greg Fitzgerald of Orlando; sister: Karen Saey of Titusville; brother: Tom Fitzgerald & wife Alicia of Bartow; two grandchildren: Josiah Fitzgerald & Eden Grace Fitzgerald of Apopka & a special angel: Jillian Palmer of Bartow. Bob was most proud of his family. He enjoyed his career and was very talented at it. One of his greatest passions was coaching Bartow High School Solfball. This gave him the platform to mold and love hundreds of girls over the years leaving an impact that defied most player-coach relationships. This strength and courage were tested and proven in the last two years of his life, which he did it with grace. In his passing, he was at peace and surrounded by an undefinable amount of love. He is not just survived by his loved ones, but his love, life and legacy will be carried on by us always. Family will receive friends Friday, February 24, 2012 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 25, 2012, at 11:00 AM at Bartow First United Methodist Church, 310 S. Broadway. Interment will follow at Bartow Wildwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 455 East Broadway Bartow, 33830 or the Bob Fitzgerald Softball Scholarship Fund c/o Glen Rutenbar, Bartow High School, 1270 S. Broadway Ave, Bartow, 33830.