Michael P. Fitzgerald, 63 of Warsaw, Ind., passed away at 9 p.m. Thursday, May 16, 2013, in his residence.

On Feb. 8, 1950, he was born in Chicago, Ill., to Gerald and Peg (O’Shea) Fitzgerald. He married Sandra Kalabsa on Dec. 18, 1987, in Dupage County, Ill., who survives.

Michael served in the U.S. Army as a captain with the First Cavalry serving from 1972 to 1978. He was a helicopter pilot for the Army. He also received his Masters’ Degree at Texas A&M and his Undergraduate Degree in Electrical Engineering from Northern Illinois University. He worked for Zombie Retirement Nation as an author and then worked for Follett Education Service as director for fifteen years.

Michael was a member of American Legion Post #253, North Webster, Warsaw, Fungi Brotherhood Association, First Cavalry Association and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw. He also was involved with Barbee Pirates, Vets 2 Grads and Wounded Warrior Project. He also loved civil war history, military history, loving his family and his dog, Tootsie.

He is survived by his wife: Sandra Fitzgerald, Warsaw; a son: Michael J. (Margaret) Fitzgerald, Houston, Texas; a daughter: Kathleen (Gene) Ward, Crown Point, Ind.; a stepdaughter: Cherylann Kalabsa Streator, Illinois; two stepsons: Allen J. Kalabsa, Warsaw; Michael J. (Kim) Kalabsa, El Paso, Texas; two sisters: Peggy (Robert) Bucaro, Bartlett, Ill.; Rose Mary Nowicki, Bradley, Illinois; and six grandchildren: Anderson, Finn, Liam, Heidi, Phoebe and Shane; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother: William Fitzgerald.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 24, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. A Rosary will be at 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 25, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw with Father Phil DeVolder officiating. Military honors will follow at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Online condolences may be made at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel’s website.