WHEREAS, On Tuesday, March 19, 2013, the Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom called to his eternal journey, Louis Albert Fitzgerald Jr.; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this by 18th Ward Alderman Lona Lane; and
WHEREAS, Louis was born on January 26, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois to Louis Albert Fitzgerald Sr. and Ruth Turner Fitzgerald. He was their only child. His parents passed while Louis was in his youth.
WHEREAS, Louis entered the United States Army in 1946. While in the Armed Services, he attended Keio University in Japan - School of Business Administration. After completing his tour of military duties, he returned to Chicago, Illinois to embark on his career; and
WHEREAS, He married the late Jeanette Arnold, to this union, two daughters were born, Michelle and Stephanie. Louis' married Mercedes Kelsey in 1969, to this union, a son, Brent Louis Fitzgerald, Sr. was born who was one of his greatest blessings. He also considered his nephew, Durell James, whom he loved, as his second son; and
WHEREAS, Louis set high standards for himself. In 1962, Louis collaborated with CBS-TV to produce a television documentary called "Decision at 83rd Street". He also joined the staff at WCIO-TV Channel 26 as an account executive. He became its top salesman. He later became a talk show host for "Conversation Piece" on Channel 26. He received an invitation to join NBC-TV and became the first African American Account Executive for Channel 5. He was also a columnist for several newspapers to include the Chicago Defender as his most notable contribution in print. In addition, having two separate successful radio talk shows on WIND and WVON focused on many current issues; and
WHEREAS, Louis was very active in community services, serving two terms as president of the Chatham-Avalon Park Community Council. In addition, he served as president of the North Beverly Civic Association for two years upon which he received numerous awards for community service; and
WHEREAS, Later, he went to work for the Federal Government as a professional with the Department of Labor where he was Regional Director of the Midwest Division - Job Corp; and
WHEREAS, His greatest pastime was listening to jazz and trying to indoctrinate everyone around to love it as much as he did. After his retirement he continued to be active in community affairs making sure that everything was in order; and
WHEREAS, Louis leaves to celebrate his life and precious memories; his loving and devoted wife, Mercedes Kelsey Fitzgerald; one son, Brent Louis Fitzgerald Sr. (Melinda); two daughters, Michelle Spurlock and Stephanie Brooks (Emile); three grandsons, Brandon Spurlock (Holly), Brent Fitzgerald Jr., and Justin Fitzgerald; two granddaughters, Stacey Brown (Rick), and Kelly Barnes (Don); one aunt, Charlotte Bell; three sisters-in-law, Susie James, Hazel Kelsey Bagley, and Eula Kelsey;
eight great-grandchildren; eighteen nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends; and; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here in assembly this tenth day of April, 2013, A.D., do hereby express our sorrow on the passing of Louis Albert Fitzgerald Jr. and extend to his family and friends our deepest sympathy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Louis Fitzgerald Jr.'s family.
Lona Lane 18th Ward Alderman