Thomas Henry Fitzgerald, lifelong resident of Rochester, MN Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 6 th , 2017. Tom, better known as Red, was born September 21 st , 1953 in Rochester, the son of Catherine and Tom Fitzgerald.  He was the second oldest of eight children. Growing up Tom enjoyed camping in their family bus, spending weekends at the O' Connell family farm, watching his Dad drive stock car which led him to become a stock car driver himself,  causing trouble with his many friends, and helping out at his Dad's Auto Shop (Tom's Auto Repair).  Family has always been very important to Tom!  He is a graduate of Mayo High School, later marrying his eighth grade sweetheart Colleen Fish on June 6 th , 1972. Together they raised four beautiful daughters.  Tom worked hard for 35 years at a cement block plant.  Tom Loved playing softball, driving stock car and driving in the demolition derby. His weekends were spent with his family doing what he loved the most which was fishing and camping.  In the summer months he was sure to take his family on a vacation full of wonderful memories while in the winter months he always made the best ice skating rink for his daughters right in his backyard. Later on in life Tom really enjoyed watching NASCAR racing both on TV and live with the Love of his life.  He has always been Dale Earnhardt Jr's biggest fan.  His family continued to grow over the years and in addition to being the greatest Dad he now became the greatest Papa EVER sharing so much laughter together with his 9 Grandchildren and 2 great Grandsons.

He is survived by his wife Colleen, and four daughters: Jenny(Steve) Jerviss, Angie(Vinny) Truong, Katie (Matt) O'Groske, Molly(Brandon) Geike, 9 Grandchildren: Ashley, Alexis, Arianna, Jamie, Jasmin, Alicia, Jordan, Lofton, Gabriella and two great Grandsons Isaiah and Colton.  Brother, Glenn (Karla) Fitzgerald, Sisters, Coleen Fitzgerald, Sharie (Jim) Sorenson, and Mary Ellen (Jack) Najar.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents Catherine and Tom Fitzgerald; and siblings Joe Fitzgerald, Larry Fitzgerald and Rosemary Kantor.

Visitation will be Wednesday April 12 th from 4:00-8:00pm at the Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN.  The funeral service will be Thursday at 1:00pm at River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home with Rev. Joel Haak officiating. A celebration of Tom's wonderful life will take place after the funeral at the Eagles Club.

Memorials are preferred to the family.