Joseph D. Fitzgerald, 87, Indianapolis and formerly of Carmel, died Oct. 28. He was born in Rushville, Ind., Jan. 11, 1928, son of William and Gertrude Dixon Fitzgerald. He was a 1945 graduate of Shortridge High School. On June 18, 1949, Joseph married Ruth Hughes after having met as dance instructors for Arthur Murray Dance Studios. He began working as a mechanical technician for John Ramp Auto. He retired in 1987.
In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his sisters, Rosanna Deitch and Barbara Fuchs. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Ruth; children, Stephen (Sharon) Fitzgerald, Stanley Fitzgerald, Vicci (Michael) McGlothin, John (Patty) Fitzgerald, Kathy (Tony) Wormgoor, Diane Wieland and Karen (Herb) Fenton; brother, David (Sylvia) Fitzgerald; 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, 2345 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260.
