20. William Henry Fitzgerald III
US Navy, World War II, killed in action aboard the USS Houston (CL81) inthe first torpedo attack. Two days later, as ship taken in tow by theUSS Boston it was attacked a second time. Initially, body buried at sea for 5-8 days, then buried on one of the islands. In 1949, body returned to U.S. Funeral procession through Bloomfield.
US Census 1930: Occupation: Laborer, Asbestos Manuf. (research courtesy of Ginger Stanat, August 2003)
1933 photo of Bill in catcher's uniform. Played baseball for Bloomfield(?) White Eagles team, as well as others. Was to try out for Newark Bears (Yankee's farm team), but was called into service. (Billy Fitz)
US Navy, World War II, Sea-bee. Worked as Pipefitter (Local 32, Newark,NJ). Furniture maker and wood carver in retirement. Raised family at 100 Liberty St., Bloomfield, NJ, retired to Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, in1987.
Graduated Bloomfield High School, January 1937. HS Yearbook caption under photo:
"Tom has had two reigning passions during his high school career. The first is football, and the second Olive Riggs. Fitz played end during the1935 season on that great team captained by Lou Otterbein. As for the other, anyone can tell you its veracity. When not toting the pigskin or Olive, Tom likes to make things in wood."
US Air Force fighter pilot, Korea Era. Then worked for Local 32, butquit to return to Air Force Reserves in order to fly. Flew for majorairlines, flying 747-size commercial planes. Contracted MS. Lived inBelleville, NJ. (Billy Fitz, 2003)