S.W. Charlie Fitzgerald

S.W. “Charlie” Fitzgerald was born in Iowa and grew up in the town of Fonda. His was a large, Irish Catholic family, and he was one of 15 children born to Emmett and Helen Fitzgerald. He left Fonda to serve in the Air Force, and then attended and graduated from Creighton University. He married Patricia Collins in 1960 here in Omaha, and they raised a family of four children: Browyn Mary, Sean Patrick, Erin Ann, and Bridgid Marie. They were married for almost 55 years, until Patti passed away in 2015.

Charlie worked hard his entire life, owning and operating an automotive painting and body shop in downtown Omaha.

He enjoyed sports of all kinds, but mostly professional baseball, basketball, and football. But the MLB was his favorite, and was a lifelong fan of the Kansas City Royals. Charlie was an avid reader, and after retirement, he spent many hours at the Omaha Public library. He was always surrounded by books, magazines, and newspapers.

Charlie did not talk about himself much, and lived a humble and simple life. He was a very private person, and was respectful of others privacy as well. He didn’t focus much on material things, but he did enjoy frequent Saturday night dinner dates with his wife, Patti.

First and foremost, Charlie’s faith was central to his life, especially in his later years. He loved attending daily Mass, especially after he moved into New Cassel. Around New Cassel, he became known as the man who rings the bells at Mass. He lived here for 11 years, and became friends with many New Cassel employees, deacons, priests and residents.

Charlie enjoyed many things, including classic cars and country music. He loved sweets, and used to say there was not a pie or a cake he wouldn’t eat. He had a sense of humor and could be a clown, especially when he was among his Fitzgerald siblings.

He was a good dad and a wonderful grandpa, and he believed that spending time with children was the best gift they could ever receive.

Charlie is survived by his children, son: Sean; and daughters: Browyn Gaines (David); Erin Quinn (Timothy) and Bridgid McCormick; five grandchildren: Paul Williamson; Peter and Kevin Quinn; and Lauren and Jack McCormick. He also had three great grandchildren: Jack, Bennett and Matilda. And his sibling: Judith Platten of Manchester, IA and Timothy Fitzgerald (Laurinda) of Cedar Rapids, IA. 

Funeral Mass 1:00 PM Wednesday (10/21/2026) at New Cassel Retirement Center 900 N. 90th St. Omaha, NE 68114.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the New Cassel Foundation or the Omaha Public Library.

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. - 108th Street Chapel - 2727 N 108th St - Omaha, NE - 402-496-9000

www.RoederMortuary.com