Michael P. Fitzgerald

Michael P. Fitzgerald, 63 of Warsaw, Indiana passed away at 9:00 pm Thursday, May 16, 2013 in his residence. On February 8, 1950, he was born in Chicago, Illinois to Gerald and Peg (O’Shea) Fitzgerald. He married Sandra Kalabsa on December 18, 1987 in Dupage County, Illinois, who survives. Michael served in the U.S. Army as a Captain with the First Cavalry serving from 1972 - 1978. He was a helicopter pilot for the Army. He also received his Masters’ Degree at Texas AM and his Undergraduate Degree in Electrical Engineering from Northern Illinois University. He worked for Zombie Retirement Nation as an author and then worked for Follett Education Service as director for fifteen years. Michael was a member of American Legion Post #253, North Webster, Warsaw, Fungi Brotherhood Association, First Cavalry Association and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw. He also was involved with Barbee Pirates, Vets 2 Grads and Wounded Warrior Project. He also loved civil war history, military history, loving his family and his dog, Tootsie. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Fitzgerald, Warsaw; a son, Michael J. (and spouse Margaret) Fitzgerald, Houston, Texas; a daughter, Kathleen (and spouse Gene) Ward, Crown Point, Indiana; a stepdaughter, Cherylann Kalabsa Streator, Illinois; two stepsons, Allen J. Kalabsa, Warsaw, Michael J. (and spouse Kim) Kalabsa, El Paso, Texas; two sisters, Peggy (and spouse Robert) Bucaro, Bartlett, Illinois, Rose Mary Nowicki, Bradley, Illinois and six grandchildren, Anderson, Finn, Liam, Heidi, Phoebe and Shane and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William Fitzgerald. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw with Father Phil DeVolder officiating. Military honors will follow at the church. Visitation hours will be from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Friday, May 24, 2013 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. Rosary will be at 8:00 pm Friday at the funeral chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warriors Project P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.