Jesse Fitzgerald, Sr

Jesse Lee Fitzgerald, born on May 30, 1936, began a life of service and devotion that touched many. He was the fourth child of Ralph Fitzgerald and Eliza Jones Fitzgerald. A proud husband, he was married for 50 years to his beloved wife, the late Elizabeth Silas Fitzgerald. Together, they built a family with four children: Linwood Fitzgerald (Sheila) of San Antonio, TX, Pam F. Boykin of Apopka, FL, and Sylvia F. Atkinson-Smith (James) of Apopka, FL. He was preceded in death by his son, Jesse Fitzgerald Jr. (Latesha), brothers Alonzo Fitzgerald, Glen Ray Fitzgerald and sisters Barbara Ann Hill, Shirley Taylor, Patricia Isselmou, and Iris Bugg whose memories he carried with him always. He is survived by his brother, Ralph Fitzgerald, Jr.

Jesse was a proud granddad and Papa. His legacy is carried on by his ten grandchildren, Kimmie and Linwood II of San Antonio, TX, Jesse III (Candace) of Memphis, TN, Lauren of Somerville, TN, Morris (Candace), Amber, and Ashley of Apopka, FL, Jordan of San Francisco, CA, and Chelsea of Tampa, FL. He was a cherished great-grandfather to seven; Morris Jr., Carter, Skylar, Jesse IV, Elise, Jackson, and Eden. He also leaves behind a host of devoted nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

A man of great purpose, Jesse served in the U.S. Air Force before becoming a cornerstone of his community. As the owner of Winter Park Janitorial Service, he created employment opportunities for over 40 years for countless individuals. He dedicated his time to mentoring young athletes as a Pony League baseball coach, helping them develop their skills and love for the game. His dedication to service extended to his work as Co-Chairman of Bridge Builders and Vice-President of the Hannibal Square Land Trust, where he worked to provide affordable homes for residents. A devoted and lifelong member of Ward Chapel AME, Jesse served his church with passion in many capacities including Steward Protium, Steward, President of the Rosa Coleman Usher Board and a member of the Songs of Allen and Men’s Choir. 

Jesse had a playful, joking personality and often used humor that included light teasing. He wasn’t sky about using strong language and liked to express himself with old-school phrases to make his point. He was peacefully called home on Sunday, July 27, 2025, surrounded by his son Linwood, daughters Pam and Sylvia, grandkids Lin, Amber, Ashley, and Chelsea, daughter-in-law Sheila, great-grands Skylar, Elise and Eden, and future in-laws Yanna and Larry.

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