Michael Joseph Fitzgerald

Michael Joseph FitzGerald of Dayton, Virginia passed away September 2, 2026 at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a short battle with a terminal illness.

With him when he passed was his wife of 42 years, Marsha FitzGerald, as well as his daughters, Katie (Jeffrey) Tenhulzen, Rachel FitzGerald, and Lindsey (Caleb) Stine. Michael is also survived by brother, Kevin FitzGerald; sister, Rosemary Droney; grandchildren, Maisie Tenhulzen, Patrick Tenhulzen, Rosemary Stine, Russell Stine, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sisters, Maureen Jutras and Nancy Vaughan as well as brothers, Christopher FitzGerald and David FitzGerald.

Michael was born on September 7, 1944 in Cambridge, MA, one of seven children born to the late Joseph and Mary (Broderick) FitzGerald. Michael graduated from the Naval Academy in 1968 and served his country in the United States Navy for 12 years. He married Marsha Green in 1984 and was a small business owner for two decades. In 2005, they moved to the Shenandoah Valley.

Michael was a passionate lover of simple things. He loved coffee, the Boston Red Sox and the song “Blue Sky” by the Allman Brothers. He loved spy novels, saltine crackers, a cozy sweater and a good laugh. He was a kid at heart.

Michael was happiest in a room full of people. He loved, enjoyed and delighted in people — his family, his friends, his community and people he met in the checkout line. “Michael is the richest man in the world,” a friend said towards the end, “because he knows what he has and takes nothing for granted.”

Anyone who knew Michael knew him to be a man of faith. He loved God and he loved people and the two were always intertwined. For years he kept an extensive list of people he prayed for daily. When Michael said, “I’m praying for you,” he meant it. And when he prayed for you, he truly expected something to happen.

It’s hard to put someone into words whose presence was so dynamic. Michael’s impact on people’s lives was huge: his joy was contagious, his light enormous. While we grieve this loss and miss his presence, we remember his example and carry on: to walk in faith, live in joy, forgive liberally and love without measure.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 17 at 2 PM at Spring Creek Town Hall, 7764 Thomas Spring Rd., Bridgewater VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his honor to East Gate Ministries, PO Box 1934, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.