Lower Merion Man, Banker And Philanthropist, Passes Away At 85

Obituary and image courtesy McConaghy Funeral Home, Ardmore.

LOWER MERION, PA -- FITZGERALD, RUSSELL EDWARD, "RUSS", March 2, 2016, of Galloway, NJ., formerly of Brigantine NJ and Gladwyne, PA.

Beloved husband of Frances Fitzgerald (nee Gervasio). Devoted father of Russ, Steve (Lyn), Sue Groth (Kevin), Beth Petti (John) and Joe (Sandy).

Loving grandfather of Jennifer Fitzgerald, Caroline and Stephen Fitzgerald, Matt, Brandon and Kelly Groth, Finn, Grace and Charlie Fitzgerald. Dear brother of Marie Hearn, Betty DeHope, and Kathryn Fitzgerald.

He was born in Abington, and went to La Salle University and the University of Pennsylvania, according to Philly.com. He was also a prolific philanthropist honored by Malvern Prep and known around Malvern:

(He was responsible for) the first Building a Scholastic Heritage (BASH) event in May 1975, a dinner and fund-raiser for which Russell Fitzgerald was named chairman in 1974. Mr. Fitzgerald was president of Continental Bank from 1971 to 1984.

In 2014, Steve said, Malvern Prep honored Mr. Fitzgerald and his wife, Frances, at an event marking the 40th anniversary of BASH and their work "in helping to keep Malvern open."

Earlier in his life, Fitzgerald was an Army cryptographer in West Germany, and worked for Northwestern and Broad Street Trust, according to reports.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Saturday, March 5, from 9 to 11 AM with Funeral Mass to commence at 11 AM at St. John Vianney Church, 350 Conshohocken State Road, Gladwyne, PA. Int. Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Variety Club, 2950 Potshop Rd. P.O. Box 609, Worcester, PA 19490.