MENDOTA - David Francis Fitzgerald, 64, of Mendota, passed away peacefully in his home on Aug. 21, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones after battling lung cancer. In his final day, his most valued friendships provided him with love and comfort as well.

Graveside services for family and friends will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 27 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mendota with Rev. Sherry Stevenson officiating. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is assisting the family. A celebration of life and fellowship will follow at the Mendota VFW Post 4079 at 5 p.m.

Dave was born Nov. 24, 1956 in Mendota to Donald and Gertrude (Roemmich) Fitzgerald. He married JoAnn Neuhalfen-Bell on May 26, 1993. She preceded him in death in 2019.

Survivors include his only son, Toby (Jackie) Fitzgerald of Mendota and three “bonus” daughters, Shelly Bell, Joni (Brian) Zinke and Julie (Brian) McConville, all of Mendota; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two brothers, Gary (Janet) Fitzgerald of Shorewood and Danny (Nancy) Fitzgerald of Oglesby; and one sister, Linda (Tom) Weber of Peru.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife; one granddaughter, Taylor; and his parents.

Dave graduated from Mendota High School in 1975. After high school, he worked at Becker Automotive and then at R&R Ford/Mendota Ford for 37 years. After leaving Mendota Ford he worked at Sapp Bros in Peru for three years. He was a member of the Jaycees, Mendota Elks Lodge 1212, Mendota VFW Men’s Auxiliary and social member, and Mendota Moose Lodge 714. He donated his time and talents to organizations such as Mendota Historical Society and the Mendota pass, punt and kick program. When not volunteering, he could be found with his video camera at the softball diamonds, soccer fields, volleyball and basketball courts, football field, school plays, school musicals and band concerts recording and cheering for his grandkids, nieces and nephews. He had a love for music, specifically Marshall Tucker, and a lifelong love of baseball, playing pool with his buddies, watching and feeding the animals in his yard and most importantly, spending his days talking about his family and how proud he was of them all.

Any monetary gifts will be donated to all of Fitz’s beloved organizations and VITAS Hospice who helped him in his final days. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com.