John Fitzgerald, Iii

Canton, John Fitzgerald, III, age 68, a native of New York City, but a long-time resident of Western North Carolina, left us on Monday, March 14, 2022.

John was the son of the late John and Mary Ormsby Fitzgerald, and a loving husband to his wife of fourty years, Diane Flaherty Fitzgerald.  John deeply loved Diane, his fur babies:  Bosco, L.B., Rusty, Biggie Smalls and Tippett, as well as "some" people.  His life was full of great experiences, from being a Union pipe fitter in New York City with his Father; an accomplished formally trained chef; to an artist of considerable and unique talent.  He was an inspiration to many artists, especially those he met and helped show their art at his favorite hangout Frog Level Brewery, where the walls are covered with his colorful artwork.  John loved holding "court" with his friends and extended family there every Saturday.

He left us too soon, after a short but stout fight with ALS, diagnosed less than a year ago.

On Saturday, March 19, a gathering of friends and family will take place between 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville followed by Military Honors.  Burial will be held on Monday, March 21 at 12 noon at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ALS at donate.onecause.com/johnfitzgeraldalsfundraiser, in honor of John and the positive inspiring life he led.

The care of Mr. Fitzgerald has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.