Alan Fitzgerald

Alan Blair Fitzgerald passed away on August 22nd, 2019 due to complications of heart disease and Parkinson's. Alan was born in Greeley, CO on Feb. 6, 1939 to Alton Blair Fitzgerald and Nettie (Miller) Fitzgerald. Following the death of his father, Alan had a very special relationship with his grandparents Gus and Elizabeth Miller. They emigrated from the Ukraine in 1908 and Alan enjoyed listening to their stories about growing up in Russia. Alan grew up in LaSalle, CO and graduated from LaSalle High School in 1957. He then attended Colorado State University and graduated in 1962 with B.S. in Biology. After graduation he entered the Army and served overseas in Germany and France where he received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. Upon returning from the Army, he met the love of his life, Ruby Foster in Pueblo, CO. They were married on May 27, 1966, and were married for 53 years until his death. Following their marriage, they moved to Kansas where they raised four children. During this time, he acquired his M.S. from Kansas State University in Education and Counseling. He worked as a high school guidance counselor for 33 years and retired in 1999. Following retirement, he prepared taxes for H&R Block for 14 years. In 2015, Alan and Ruby returned to CO at the request of family. Alan loved to be active, and relished volunteering for the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) in Salina, KS and Grand Junction, CO. His favorite volunteer jobs were the Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina, KS and tax preparation for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Alan was a huge fan of John Wayne, and was passionate about his beloved Denver Broncos. He also loved to take walks, do crossword puzzles, and was an avid reader. Alan is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ruby Fitzgerald, four children [Myrna Henderson, Grand Junction, CO; Matthew Fitzgerald (Gabriella Musacchia wife), San Francisco, CA; Michael Fitzgerald, Topeka, KS, and Martin Fitzgerald (Liz Fitzgerald wife), Grand Junction, CO], and eight grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to RSVP and the National Parkinson's Association.