RIP: Kevin M. Fitzgerald

Diocese of Southwest Florida
Posted Mar 3, 2022

Kevin M. Fitzgerald, loving Husband, Father, Papa, Brother and Uncle, passed away at Naples Community Hospital in Naples, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Lana Fitzgerald; daughters, Kimberly Orne Bachschmid (Jeff), Kellie Carter Griffin (Scott); son, Richard Oppelt (Tara); grandchildren, Dalton  Carter,  Claudia  Carter,  Emma  Oppelt, Mairin Bachschmid; great granddaughter, Ava Carter; sister,  Georgette  Dieschbourg  (Ric),  nieces  Alicia  Harnett, Lisa Locascia (Chuck), Lisa Moeller; great niece, Tori Moeller; nephews, Matthew Dieschbourg (Heather), Christopher Dieschbourg (Peggy), Grant Harnett (Kelly) and sister-in-law, Joan Cross.

Kevin was born April 8, 1958 to George R. Fitzgerald and Eileen Elizabeth Moore in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up and attended public schools in Chicago. He graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Dramatic Arts. He began his career at KRVR Radio in the Quad Cities and later at KWPC Radio in Muscatine, Iowa where he met the love of his life, Lana. Kevin also served on the Muscatine City Council.

Kevin spent his early career days in radio and 35 years in diversified Commercial Real Estate. He was affiliated with NAI Global, served as past Chairman of the NAI Global Leadership Board of Directors and had The Fitzgerald Award named after him. He was nine-time winner of the NAI Associate of the Year and garnered the International Networking and Chairman’s Award on six separate occasions. Kevin started his commercial real estate career with NAI Ruhl Commercial Company in Davenport, Iowa. After moving to Florida, Kevin owned NAI Southwest Florida in Fort Myers and was most recently affiliated with NAI Skyway National Partners. His passion was always being on the microphone, whether it was leading a meeting or supporting a  fundraiser  – but most important to him was reading at church or a church function.

Kevin spent his life loving his family and serving the Lord and others. He was a member of the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Marco Island, since moving to Florida in 2002. He served as Senior Warden for several years and was bestowed Senior Warden Emeritus. He also was very active in the Diocese of Southwest Florida where he most recently served as Bishop Transition Chair, Diocesan Disciplinary Board, Member of Diocesan Risk Management Team, Master Trainer and On-Line Admin for Safeguarding All God’s People as well as Past President, Standing Committee, Past Chair Congressional Development Committee (CDC), former Member of Constitutions and Cannon’s Committee, Chair of Diocesan Deputation to General Convention (2018) and Diocesan Deputation Member to General Convention (2015). He also served as Board of Trustees Chair for Naples Community Hospital – Marco Island Campus and President of The Royal Seafarer Condominium Board of Directors for 17 years.

Kevin is preceded in death by his parents and sister, M. Elizabeth Simon.

Kevin spent many years volunteering as Santa Claus at church and throughout the community; coaching “his kids” in baseball and found great joy in the Minions, Glenlivet 18 and was a lifelong Cubs fan “Go Cubs Go!”

Celebration of Life information will be forthcoming. Condolences and memorials may be sent to: 300 S. Collier Blvd., #602, Marco Island, FL 34145. The family requests no flowers, please.

As Kevin would sign off, “Have A Red Letter Day!”


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