Jack Fitzgerald Maryland Death and Obituary – Jack Fitzgerald, the visionary founder and former CEO of Fitzgerald Auto Malls, passed away at approximately the age of 90, according to an official statement released by the company. His death marks the end of an era for one of the most influential figures in the automotive industry and a beloved member of the local community.
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Jack Fitzgerald’s career in the automotive industry began as a Ford salesman. His passion for cars and his commitment to exceptional customer service quickly set him apart. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, he transitioned from sales to ownership, acquiring a stake in a Dodge dealership in Montgomery County, Maryland. This marked the beginning of Fitzgerald’s remarkable journey in the automotive world. In 1966, he established Fitzgerald Auto Malls, a company that would grow into a significant force within the automotive retail industry. Under his leadership, Fitzgerald Auto Malls expanded its footprint across the United States, with a total of 20 franchises in Maryland, Florida, and Pennsylvania.
Fitzgerald was widely recognized for his engaging personality and hands-on approach to running his business. He frequently appeared in television commercials, where he shared his core philosophy with viewers: “That’s the Fitz way.” This customer-first mindset became the cornerstone of his business model, emphasizing respect, honesty, and a personalized experience for each customer. In a 2015 interview with The Washington Post, Fitzgerald reflected on the principles that guided his success, noting, “I worked hard, and I learned to listen to the customers and get them what they wanted.” This dedication to customer service resonated with both clients and employees, helping to solidify the Fitzgerald Auto Malls name as a trusted and reliable dealership.
Beyond his work in automotive sales, Fitzgerald made a significant impact through his commitment to employee ownership and community service. In 2023, Fitzgerald Auto Malls became the largest auto dealership to adopt a 100% employee stock ownership model. This groundbreaking move demonstrated Fitzgerald’s belief in fostering a workplace where employees could have a direct stake in the success of the business, ensuring that they felt valued and invested in its future.
Fitzgerald’s devotion to his community was also evident in his advocacy for child safety initiatives. He established a child safety seat program that has saved countless lives in the local area. Through this initiative, Fitzgerald Auto Malls conducted 777 car seat inspections in a single day, with over 52,000 safety seat inspections and installations conducted over the years. His efforts in this area have had a lasting impact on the safety of families in the community.
In a tribute shared on social media, Fitzgerald Auto Malls honored the legacy of their founder, highlighting his core values of honesty, compassion, and care for others. “His passion, humor, and heart will never be forgotten,” the post read. “His influence will live on in every employee-owner, customer, and family whose life he touched.” Colleagues and employees expressed deep gratitude for Fitzgerald’s leadership, reminiscing about the positive impact he had on their lives and careers.
Jack Fitzgerald’s passing is a loss not only to the automotive industry but also to the many individuals whose lives he touched through his commitment to excellence, service, and community. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs, automotive professionals, and business leaders. His life’s work serves as a testament to the power of building meaningful relationships in business, where success is measured not just by sales, but by the positive impact one has on the lives of others.
