"Heaven has truly been blessed in receiving Steve this week. He knew people only as friends. If there were more people like him on this earth we might truly have peace on earth. So glad I got to be one of his friends. Blessings to all of his family and thank you for sharing him with us."
In loving memory of
Steven F. Fitzgerald
December 7, 1956 - June 9, 2016
Steven F. Fitzgerald's obituary
Steven Francis Fitzgerald entered eternal life on June 9th, 2016 at the age of 59. Born December 7th, 1956 he was the third of five children to parents Raymond and Constance Fitzgerald. He was a loving father, grandfather, son, brother and child of God.
Steve grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada where he explored his love of nature as a Boy Scout, camping, playing in the desert, scuba diving and cliff jumping in Lake Mead. At a young age he fell in love with the world of figure skating. At the age of 18 he moved to Orange County, California where he began a career in banquets and hospitality, eventually serving as Director of Banquets for the Double Tree and Hilton Hotels. He pursued his love of ice-skating achieving numerous gold and silver medals in singles and pair U.S. National Championship competitions as an adult.
In 1996 he moved to Washington to be near his daughters, whom he cherished. He loved his family more than words could express and wore his feelings on his sleeve. He imparted many life lessons to his daughters and taught them to know themselves and that acceptance, forgiveness and honesty are great characteristics to hold. Steve lived by the Serenity and the Third Step prayers and passed them on to his daughters for comfort in times of struggle.
Steve was a philanthropist, a man who respected all life, and a selfless supporter of friends in need opening his home and heart on many occasions. Those who knew Steve express humbleness felt by his compassion, service, love for his fellow man and strength during his most trying moments. September would have marked his 29th year of sobriety, an accomplishment that continues to inspire. He touched many lives and has left a legacy of honesty, integrity, hard work, dedication, and faith.
He was a man who worked hard and played hard, with an infectious energy and passion for life. He packed a lot of living into each day. Every relationship was valuable to him. Without knowing it he meaningfully impacted those he encountered, even if it was simple smile that went from ear to ear.
He is survived by his three daughters; Mr. and Mrs. Shane Edwards (daughter Sara) and two grandsons Gavin Michael Edwards and Alexander Steven Edwards of Puyallup, WA; Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Sill (daughter Jacqueline) and grandson Jackson Reed Sill of Spanaway, WA; and Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Graham (daughter Laura) of Herndon, VA. He is also survived by his mother Mrs. Constance Ann Fitzgerald of Las Vegas, NV; siblings Ray Fitzgerald, Sue Hall, Joann Serracino, and Paul Fitzgerald and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life service will be held at New Life Church of Renton, Thursday, June 16th, 2016 at 6pm. Service will be in the north auditorium - 15711 152nd Ave. SE, Renton, WA 98058.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests making an honorary gift to your church or charity of choice or to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance by visiting https://secure.seattlecca.org/.
Tributes
"I cannot begin to express how much you will be missed. Friends like you are like a treasure that is hard to find, but when found it is so precious that one cannot let go. I will always love you my friend and you will always live in my heart. I will look for you on the ice. Hugs."
"This is how I Feel for, and how I Love my Wonderful Brother Steve F.: I will join you in Eternal Peace, soon - enough, Mack https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7bVQXG10-w ?? Godspeed Steve, on Angel's Wings, Godspeed! ??"
"From the first time I met Steve,he was always so generous and caring. He took me in when I was trying to get sober. He even helped me move my stuff in since I didn't have a car! He was always inviting me to his family gatherings,he loved his family! He worked hard,sometimes 16 hr days. When he wasn't working he was ice skating,at a meeting or helping others. He never stopped,such a love for life. He will always have a place in my heart. Love you Steve!"
"It was with a such very heavy heart I heard of this news some days after Steve passed on. I am so proud to have known and shared many special moments with Steve. He opened his home and heart to me on many occasions and I have been humbled over and over again by his compassion, service and love for his fellow man, but most important of all the strength that he showed during some of the most dire moments of his illness, with little to no complaint, just a burning desire to be the best friend, father, granddad, father-in-law and more. I am equally saddened to find out that I will not be able to attend on Thursday. Of all the days I am out of office it would have to be that one! :-( However, at 6pm, I WILL stop and celebrate in prayer for the privilege of knowing such a wonderful man. It would be an honor to be half the man Steve is because although he is now no longer with us, he is with us in the legacy he so humbly provided to us all."