The Rev. Dr. Paul Tex Fitzgerald of Lancaster, age 81, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on December 7th, 2025.

He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late Dorothy Cholka Fitzgerald and George F. Fitzgerald.

He is survived by his wife Susan Trotman Fitzgerald for almost 55 years and a son, David Alan Fitzgerald (Heather) of Manassas, VA. Two grandchildren, Christabel Florence and David Alan, Jr. He is also survived by 2 brothers, George Timothy Fitzgerald (Joni) of Riverview, MI, and William (Bill) Fitzgerald (Monica), Pittsburgh, a niece, 2 nephews and several cousins.

He served as pastor of First Baptist (now Thrive Community), Lancaster for 12 years, and pastored churches in Indiana, W.Va., Illinois, Warren, PA., and Muncy, PA.

He is a graduate of Wilkinsburg High School, PA, Blackburn College, IL, Southern Baptist Seminary, KY, and holds a Doctorate in Marriage & Family from Palmer Seminary.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Thrive Community Church, 2124 Old Phila. Pike, Lancaster, PA on January 18, 2026 at 3 p.m. with visitation at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund at Thrive Community Church.