Dr. Rich Fitzgerald 1962-2023
Dr. Richard Alan “Rich, Doc or Dr. Rich” Fitzgerald, 60, of Topeka, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at The Windsor of Lawrence after a courageous battle with Huntington’s Disease.
He was born Aug. 25, 1962, in Mayetta, the son of William Francis and Alma (Ray) Fitzgerald.
Richie graduated from Royal Valley High School in 1980. In his early years, Rich owned and operated an auto repair shop in Mayetta. From 1981 to 1993 he was a paramedic and later paramedic supervisor for Medevac in Topeka.
In 1989, Rich graduated from Washburn University with a bachelor of arts degree and in 1995 with an osteopathic doctorate degree from Oklahoma State University. In 1998, he received his accredited residency in family practice.
Rich had his own private medical practice at Holton Community Hospital and later worked for the VA Hospital in Topeka. He was a member of Sigma Sigma Phi and the National Honorary Osteopathic Fraternity.
Survivors include his nephew, Colton Simoneau of Pensacola, Fla.; brother-in-law, Mark Simoneau (Shelly) of Topeka; and cousins, Bonnie Norman (Harold), Clarence Brown (Karen) and Sue Harding (Glenn), all of Topeka, and Alma June Morse (Bob) of Mayetta.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Alma Fitzgerald; sister, Linda Rae Fitzgerald-Simoneau; as well as many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
Rich was a loving friend, co-worker and much-loved family member. He loved family gatherings, including birthdays, Christmas, Easter or whenever he could pull the family together. He was happy playing pitch and eating pie. Actually, he was happy eating anything.
Doc worked hard for his degree as a physician and co-workers enjoyed his sense of humor, while others appreciated his professional attitude and bedside manner. It was shared by nurses that he always “had their back!”
In addition to his medical talent, Rich was a skilled mechanic. He also enjoyed his adventures, frequently shown in parachuting, boating, traveling, hunting and fishing, to name a few.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 6 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in Mayetta Cemetery. Family will greet friends one hour prior to service time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Huntington’s Association, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
