Vernon S. Fitzgerald, 90, of Lewis Run, formerly of Bingham

Vernon S. Fitzgerald, 90, of Lewis Run, formerly of Bingham, a loving husband, dedicated father and grandfather, went to be with his Lord and Saviour, Tuesday, March 6th, 2012 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

Born January 3, 1922, at home on the family farm in Hottleville, he was the youngest of nine children of the late Sylvester and Bertha (Eminger) Fitzgerald.

On January 24, 1947 he married the love of his life, Ida Louise (Moore) Fitzgerald who survives. They lived in Bingham for over fifty years where they raised their family before moving to Lewis Run in 2005 to reside with their son.

Mr. Fitzgerald attended high school in Seigel. On February 24, 1943 he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed at Bainbridge, MD for boot camp and then trained at the Armed Guard Gunnery School in Littlecreek, VA. He served aboard an oil tanker, the SS Maley; and two liberty ships; the SS William Wirt and SS Edwin W. Moore. During his service he attained the rank of Gunner's Mate Third Class and traveled to several ports in North and South America, Africa, Europe and the Philippines. He was honorably discharged on February 3, 1946.

Following the service he returned to his life long career as a driller for Fitzgerald Drilling working in Pennsylvania, New York, Kentucky, West Virginia and Ohio. He retired in 1984.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, reading, playing card games, working crossword puzzles, watching sports on TV, traveling and especially family get-togethers. He never missed a graduation, wedding or family reunion. He was a devoted life long member of the Free Methodist Church of Cyclone, and also attended Bible Study at the Overcomers Church of Faith in Aiken.

Surviving is his wife Ida of 65 years, three daughters, Sandra (Jim) Beasley of Manassas, VA; Nancy (Harold) Camp of Ekron, KY; and Judy (Tom) Everly of Lamont, three sons, Lawrence (Norma) Fitzgerald of Strasburg, OH; Dan (Carol) Fitzgerald of Lewis Run; and Terry (Liz) Fitzgerald of Taylorsville, NC; 18 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sons, Steve "Mickey" Fitzgerald and Robert "Bobby" Fitzgerald, one daughter, Kathy Fitzgerald, one daughter-in-law, Cindy Swartzfager Fitzgerald, 6 brothers and 2 sisters.

Family will be receiving friends on Thursday, March 8th, 2012 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 372 East Main St., and again on Friday from Noon to 1:00 pm at which time funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm with Rev. Frank Hill, pastor of the Overcomers Church of Faith officiating. Military honors will be accorded at the funeral home after the service. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cyclone Free Methodist Church, Cyclone, PA 16726 or Overcomers Church of Faith, Aiken, PA.

Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com