Russell H. Fitzgerald, "Red", 92, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 22, 2012, at Conestoga View Nursing Care. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late George B. and Rose (Fritsch) Fitzgerald. His wife of nearly 60 years, Elsie J. (Barley) Fitzgerald, died in 2005.

A proud, highly decorated veteran, he fought with the US Army in Africa, Italy, France and Germany during WWII. Red re-enlisted in the US Air Force in 1948, fought in the Korean War and continued to serve until his retirement in 1964. He then worked for Hamilton Watch before starting his own business in 1967, H & F Tire Service, from which he retired in 1986.

Throughout his military career, Red enjoyed fast-pitch softball and played wherever he was stationed. When Red retired to Lancaster, he continued to referee basketball, softball and football for many local high schools.

Red is survived by a son, Barry, Sr., husband of Mary Ann (Lea) Fitzgerald, Lancaster; 3 grandchildren, Barry Jr., Brenda and Brett, all of Lancaster; his sister Florence (Fitzgerald) Ziegler, Lancaster; and 2 sisters-in-law, Melanie (Hoffmeier) Fitzgerald, Lancaster, and Kathy (Fisher) Barley, Akron. He was preceded in death by 4 siblings, George, Richard, Ruth (Fitzgerald) Flick and Betty (Fitzgerald) McKinsey.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM on Friday, September 28, 2012, at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 414 E. King St., Lancaster, PA 17602, with The Rev. Dennis Andrew officiating. A Viewing will take place 7-9PM Thursday, September 27, 2012, at the funeral home. Private Interment with Military Honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 125 S. 9 ^th St., Suite 202, Philadelphia, PA 19107. To send the family an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661