EAST LIVERPOOL, OHIO – Earl W. Fitzgerald, 96, of East Liverpool, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at East Liverpool City Hospital with his family by his side.

Earl was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on January 21, 1930, a son of the late Walter E. and Margaret "Geneva" (Dornan) Fitzgerald. He was a graduate of East Liverpool High School Class of 1947. Earl worked for Ohio Power and AEP. He began as a lineman then moved up to a foreman and later retired as an area supervisor. He was president of the IBEW Local Union. Earl was a member of First United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday school and coached basketball. He was also a member of Riddle Lodge 315 where he served as Master three times, East Liverpool Chapter 100 where he served as High Priest several times, Keramos Council 95 where he served as Illustrious Master, Pilgrim Commandery 55 where he served as Eminent Commander, Crystal Chapter 18 Order of the Eastern Star where he served as Worthy Patron for 14 years, Osiris Shrine of Wheeling; Northern Panhandle Shrine Club in Weirton and the International Order Odd Fellows. Earl was honored with the Knight York Cross of Honor on November 6, 1982. He enjoyed gardening and planting things. Earl enjoyed going out especially with his wife to various senior groups. He was pretty handy and built his family home. Most importantly, Earl was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather that enjoyed spending time with his family.

Preceding Earl in death were his wife of 67 years, whom he married September 11, 1949, Louise (Barnhouse) Fitzgerald; son-in-law Joachim "Kim" van Leeuwen, sister Carolyn Lee Wagner and brother-in-law Ray Wagner.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Colleen van Leeuwen; three sons Dennis Fitzgerald and his wife Cindy, Michael Fitzgerald and his wife Beverly Jones and Brian Fitzgerald; eight grandchildren Dennis Fitzgerald, Jr. and his wife Katherine, Denise Fitzgerald and her husband Tim Allison, Alissa Reinhardt, Allison Lopez and her husband Dave, Aaron van Leeuwen, Jonathan Fitzgerald, Matthew Fitzgerald and Sean Fitzgerald; ten great-grandchildren Kayla Fitzgerald, Dennis Fitzgerald III, Sara Allison, Zoe Allison, Kyla van Leeuwen, Madilyn van Leeuwen, Logan Reinhardt, Carlisle Reinhardt, Sydney Lopez and Presley Lopez; five step great grandchildren Michael Cornett, Lucas Allison, Alec Allison, Darcey Allison and Courtney Sweatlick; one great great grandson Gabriel Christopher Fitzgerald; sister-in-law Gertrude Borgen; brother-in-law Howard Barnhouse; two nieces and many nephews.

Friends may visit Thursday at the Dawson Funeral Home where the family will be present from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Rev. Claudia Britton will conduct a funeral service 11 a.m. Friday at the First United Methodist Church. Private burial at Riverview Cemetery. Riddle Lodge 315 will conduct a Masonic service at 7 p.m. Thursday followed by an Eastern Star service conducted by Crystal Chapter 18 Order of the Eastern Star.

Following the service the family will gather at the First United Methodist Church for a time of fellowship.