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Harry Washington Fitzgerald Jr.

Harry Washington Fitzgerald Jr.

Aug. 18, 1932 - Jan. 23, 2024

Date of Service: Feb. 3, 2023

Watch the Webcast Service Program

ALBION – Harry Washington Fitzgerald Jr., age 91, of Albion, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, at his home in Albion, with his family beside him.

Harry was born at San Pedro Navy Base to Harry and Elenore Fitzgerald on August 18, 1932. Being a “Navy brat,” he moved from the west coast to the east coast and to the Hawaiian islands. He, his mother, his younger brother and little sister left the islands three weeks before the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Harry graduated from Long Beach High School. He then followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the U.S. Navy. Upon discharge from the Navy, he returned to southern California. There he went to Citrus College where he played football.

After college, he went to work for Aerojet General. There he was a liaison engineer. Aerojet was part of NASA’s Apollo Rocket project. The Apollo rocket put our men on the moon.

He met the love of his life when her father brought him home for dinner. Her father and Harry both worked for Aerojet General. He married Edith (Edie) Leigh Joyce two years later on April 10, 1965. They adopted their son, Joe Fitzgerald, in July, 1971. Fifteen years later they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Tamara. What a surprise!

In 1976, Harry moved his family to Rupert, Idaho, to work at the Idaho Youth Ranch. In August 1991, they moved to Albion, Idaho, where he fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning enough land to raise cattle. There he lived happily until his death.

Harry was preceded in death by his brother, Fred; his sister, Verginia Johnson; and his youngest brother, Robert. He lost his grandson, Josh Fitzgerald in June of 2023.

He is survived by his wife, Edie; son, Joe (Hope) Fitzgerald; daughter, Tamara Fitzgerald; and grandchildren, Megan Alexander Fitzgerald, Aiden Gamel, and Megan Marie Gamel.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 3, at Burley United Methodist Church, located at 450 E. 27th St, in Burley, with the Reverend Kenneth L. Haftorson officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/0bZUIyLUqBk.

Listen to the Service:

Condolences for Harry Washington Fitzgerald Jr.

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Donna Burch :
Edie, I’ve been remembering the good times we had at Heyburn Elementary.
Praying that you and your family will be greatly blessed as you remember how much Harry loved each of you and what a special person he was.
May peace and comfort bless you daily.
From Fern kimber:
Peace be with you Edie and Tammy
From Linda Smith :
Sorry for your lost. What an amazing person he was. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Edie and family. Love and hugs.
From Linda Smith :
Sorry for your lost. What an amazing person he was. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Edie and family. Love and hugs.
From Cathy N Ingalls:
Edie, as you go thru this transition, know you are in my prayers & thoughts. He was always a very special friend. Love you sweetheart & the family.
From Charlene Bartlome:
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
From Nancy Clark:
My heart goes out to you, Edie and the rest of your family.
From Idaho State Veterans Cemetery Blackfoot:
Rest in peace with honor and gratitude for your service.
From Tim & Danalyn Hull and Jaker:
Oh Edie, our heart breaks for you .. Harry is up there with Josh smiling down on you all. Love you bunches
From Tim & Danalyn Hull and Jaker:
Oh Edie, our heart breaks for you. Harry is up there with Josh smiling down on you all. Love you bunches.
From Rhonda Chatterly:
I’m so sorry, Edie! My hugs and sympathies for you and your family.
From Frank and Karma :
Eddie, sorry for your loss. Sending our love and prayers.
From Michael Todd Zarybnisky:
Sorry for your loss.
From Mary Zarybnisky:
My prayers go out to the Fitzgerald family.
From Renee Wells:
How I loved associating with Harry through Special Olympics when he would be there supporting Tammy. Prayers for peace and comfort to Addie, Tammy and the rest of the family!
From Gene Pitchford:
What a man. So many stories. RIP my dear friend.
From Marlene Tracy:
Always loved working with Harry at the IYR. Such a good guy!

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