Joseph Casey Fitzgerald

Joseph Casey Fitzgerald, age 92, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, in Laguna Niguel, California, surrounded by his wife and family. Joe was born in Lockport, Illinois on August 12, 1933, to Joseph & Nell Fitzgerald and was the 2 ^nd of four boys (Jim, Denis and Chuck).

He lived in the Lockport and Joliet area for 65 years, having attended Lockport Township High School and the University of Illinois for undergraduate and law schools. He then went into practice with the McKeown Law Firm in Joliet, where he retired after 43 years.

He enjoyed his retirement in Laguna Niguel where he was able to pursue his love of golf, playing cards, helping with their jewelry business and being near his grandchildren.

Though he lived for many years in southern California, he remained a stalwart fan of Chicago and Illinois sports teams and loved to watch and share his thoughts about them with family. We will miss his text messages about the teams and their results.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Ruth C. Fitzgerald; his daughters Colleen (Jim) and Kathy (John); his son, Joe (Kathryn); his stepdaughter, Malinda (Brent); his grandchildren Jack (Katie), Kelly (James), Teddy, Alex, Danny, Kate, and Carly; and great grandchildren Declan and Luke.

He is also survived by his brother, Chuck (Dawn).

He is preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Maureen Caneva Fitzgerald, his brothers Jim and Denis and his parents.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, March 27 ^th at 10am at St Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lymphoma Foundation of America at lymphomahelp.org .

His good humor and humility will be missed by all who knew him.  He was a good man.