John Lawrence Fitzgerald, one of the original “Margaret Mace Babies” was born on April 4, 1933 in North Wildwood, NJ, at the former Margaret Mace Hospital. He was raised by his mother, the late Mary Ellen Davies Bonelli and step-father Al Bonelli. With Ann, his wife of 59 years, and his family by his side, John passed away peacefully at his home in Rio Grande April 4, 2026.
John was truly one of a kind—full of personality. After graduating from Wildwood High School, he joined the United States Coast Guard in 1952; he was honorably discharged in 1955. He later went to the NJ police academy and became a Wildwood, NJ police officer. Years later, family responsibility required him to help his other manage Bayside Beverage, distributors of soft drinks. He was also a MAC Tool dealer for 20 years.
One of John’s passions was motorsports. From the 1950’s to the early 60’s he enjoyed car racing – dirt track was one of his favorites. In the late 60’s, his interests moved to aviation and taking flying lessons. In the 1990’s, his love of aviation and WWII history led to him becoming one of the charter members of the NASW Museum– Naval Air Station Wildwood. He was extremely proud to be one of the lead volunteers to reconstruct the F14 Tom Cat that is currently at the NASW.
In 1970, he and his wife Ann ventured into the world of inboard hydroplane racing – a motorsport they continue to be involved in even today. His Irish heritage found their raceboats to be named Leprechaun Racing. They also managed and coordinated the Wildwoods Hydrofest from 2001 to 2014. When he and Ann were not racing, they enjoyed jet skiing and snowmobiling as well as traveling; the only continent they did not visit was Asia.
John is survived by his wife Ann (Rush) who he married February 4, 1967; he is also survived by his sister Kathleen (Bonelli) Allen; daughter Merrie Fitzgerald, wife of Scott Shultz; grandchildren John Shultz (Danielle), Christopher Shultz (Lauren), Sean Fitzgerald, Ryan Fitzgerald. He is predeceased by his son, John Patrick Fitzgerald
His zest for life will continue to live in his great grandchildren–Rowan, Vivian, Logan, Jaxson and Landon; he will be very missed by his dog, Zoey.
The family would like to thank NJ Health for the kind and loving care John received at home.
Evoy Funeral Home, 3218 Bayshore Road, North Cape May, NJ 08204. Family and friends will be welcomed on Saturday, April 18, from 10 am to noon followed by a spiritual service. Following the service, John will be entombed at St. Mary Roman Catholic Mausoleum, Cape May, NJ 08204. A luncheon will follow.
In lieu of flowers and in honor John’s love of and dedication to the NASW Museum, donations can be made to the NASW, CMC Airport, 500 Forrestal Road, Rio Grande, NJ 08242.
