McHenry County Sheriff’s officer dies after crash
McHenry County IL Aug 19 2018
A McHenry County Sheriff’s court security officer who died after a motorcycle crash last week in Wisconsin is being remembered by those who knew him as a loyal colleague with a great sense of humor.
Visitation for William Fitzgerald Jr. , 70, will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday and 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday at Justen Funeral Homes, 3700 Charles J. Miller Road, McHenry. Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Fitzgerald, of Wonder Lake, died Wednesday.
After his 26-year career as a police officer with the McHenry Police Department, Fitzgerald joined the sheriff’s office as a court security officer in 2000, Chief of Court Security Marvin Fell said.
Rain or shine, Fitzgerald’s cobalt blue motorcycle could be spotted in its usual parking spot at the McHenry County Courthouse, where he worked as a security officer for 18 years.
In his time with the sheriff’s office, Fitzgerald remained a loyal colleague to McHenry County Judges Charles Weech and Tiffany Davis, whose courtrooms he was assigned.
“His sense of humor was his greatest asset and the one I will miss the most,” Davis said. “He always made me feel safe. Without him, court won’t be the same.”
Long rides on his motorcycle, camping and spending time with his family were among Fitzgerald’s favorite pastimes, Fell said.
“Fitzy was one of a kind,” he said.
Fitzgerald is survived by his wife, Jane; his children, Katie Fitzgerald, Maureen Doolan, Shauna Crabill and William Fitzgerald III; his brother, Kevin Fitzgerald; his sisters, Pamela Jensen and Heather Fitzgerald; and seven grandchildren.
“Friends, co-workers, family and even those he’s arrested have reached out to express their condolences and share stories of his kindness, humor and strength,” Katie Fitzgerald said. “The service to his country and community, unwavering love for his family, and kindness and respect he showed others will be his legacy. It’s very clear, our loss is not ours alone.”
