Edward J. Fitzgerald, 84, of Glenview, retired chairman of Metal Parts & Equipment Co. of Northbrook, died of complications from a series of strokes Thursday, Dec. 28, in Scottsdale Community Hospital, Scottsdale, Ariz., where he had a winter home. Mr. Fitzgerald worked his way up during 40 years at Metal Parts & Equipment Co., starting as a sales representative and retiring as chairman in 1985. He was also a part-owner of Motor Castings Co. of West Allis, Wis. His son Brian described his father as a tough but honest businessman who always put his family before his work. A man of strong faith, Mr. Fitzgerald had eight children and attended Catholic mass every day. “He would be recognized as someone with somewhat of a crusty exterior with a soft center,” his son said. Mr. Fitzgerald was born and raised on Chicago’s North Side. He graduated from Loyola Academy in 1934 and four years later from Loyola University, where he was a prelaw major. Mr. Fitzgerald attended Loyola Law School but entered the Navy in 1942. He served as a military weaponry instructor during the entire war and was discharged with the rank of lieutenant. After the war, he intended to return to law school but was offered a job at Metal Parts & Equipment Co. Mr. Fitzgerald lived in Skokie for 20 years, where he was a founding member of St. Joan of Arc Church and a director of Evanston Golf Club. He later moved to Northbrook and in 1989 to Glenview. In 1987 his wife of 47 years, Josephine, died. He remarried in 1989. Mr. Fitzgerald is also survived by his wife, Caryl; sons Edward J. III, Thomas, John, Richard, Timothy and Kevin; a daughter, Penny; 21 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1775 Grove St., Glenview. A private burial service will be held Wednesday at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Hillside.
