It is with profound respect and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of John E. "Jack" Fitzgerald, who left this world on January 27, 2025, at the age of 85. Jack, as he was affectionately known, was a beacon of light and love, bringing joy and comfort to all who knew him. His journey began in Joliet, IL, on January 13, 1940, where he was born to Robert and Martha (nee Long) Fitzgerald. He concluded his extraordinary life's voyage surrounded by his cherished family at his home in Manhattan, IL.

Jack was the beloved patriarch of an extensive and loving family. He leaves behind his adored wife of 66 years, Judith Fitzgerald (nee Briese), with whom he built a legacy of love and devotion. His children Lynn (Danny) Chellios, Karen (Steve) Chellios, Kelly Patterson, Jackie (Pat) Rielly, and John (Jennifer) Fitzgerald will forever remember his guiding spirit and tender care. Jack was also the proud grandfather to Eric Chellios, Stacie (Ryan) Streicher, Angela (David) Pantoja, Christa (Sam) Blatt, Nick (Charleigh) Chellios, Corie (Brandon) Delimata, Craig (Brooke) Patterson, Kevin (Jessica) Patterson, Eddie (Stacy) Ludwig, Mandy (Josh) Schaffner, Cody (Kirstie) Ludwig, Caitlin (Luke) John, Kristen Reilly, Sean Fitzgerald, Kerianne Fitzgerald, and Jack Kelly. He beamed with pride for his 22 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy to his life.

A family man to the core, Jack also leaves behind his brother Dave (Patty) Fitzgerald and sister Jean (Bill) Weber, along with his sister-in-law Sue Briese. Jack's presence will be profoundly missed, yet he is greeted in the afterlife by those who have made the journey before him: his parents, Robert and Martha; his grandson Brian Chellios; his parents-in-law, Harold and Mary; his sisters and brother-in-law Sue and George Roblee and Marilyn Doyle and his brothers James and Joe, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Terry and Bev, and his brother-in-law Tom Briese.

An alumnus of Joliet Catholic High School, Jack went on to establish a remarkable career. He displayed a steadfast commitment to his community that spanned decades. His early days at Cochran Heating and Plumbing paved the way for a 20-year tenure with the Will County Jail. Jack also demonstrated his dedication to public service through his political career, serving as a trustee on the Manhattan Village Board for 2 years, the Manhattan Township Trustee for 20 years and holding the distinguished title of Manhattan's longest-serving Mayor for 22 years.

Jack's unwavering passion for his community was further exemplified by his 52 years with the Manhattan Fire Department. Beginning at just 16 years old and retiring at 70, Jack became Will County's first paramedic and eventually led as the Manhattan Fire Chief from 1998-2008. A lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Manhattan, he touched countless lives through his service both as a paramedic and a civic leader.

Beyond his community service, Jack was a man of deep interests and proud heritage. He passionately embraced his Irish roots, a fact clearly seen in his enjoyment of many years at the Irish Fest and his trip with his wife Judy to Ireland. His sense of humor, infectious Irish eyes smile, and boundless dedication to family and friends will be the memories etched in the hearts of those who had the fortune of knowing Jack.

John E. "Jack" Fitzgerald was a living testament to the ideals of service, compassion, and family. His spirit of generosity, leadership, and warmth has left indelible imprints not only on his family but on the entire Manhattan community. As we bid farewell to a man who was so much to so many, we honor his legacy—one that will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.

Jack's life tells a story of unwavering love for his family, a commitment to the citizens he served, and a zest for life that will continue to shine bright as an example of a life extraordinarily well-lived. We take solace in the knowledge that his legacy will live on through the memories cherished by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

Visitation for Jack will take place on Monday, February 3, 2025 from 4-8:00pm at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. An additional hour of visitation will be the following day, Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 10-11:00am followed by his funeral ceremony at 11:00am also at the funeral home. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Manhattan. In Lieu of flowers, donations in Jack's name to Manhattan Fire Department, P.O. Box 65, Manhattan IL, 60442 or to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 would be most appreciated.

To view Jack's funeral service, please use this link or click the "Watch Now" button in the Webcast portion of his page: https://www.asimplestreaming.com/jefitzgerald

Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.