Robert Gar rett FitzGerald, M.D. passed away on July 20, 2020 at the age of 65.  Due to Covid, the celebration of his life was postponed until July 17, 2021.

Robert was born in 1955, the first child of Gerald and Elise FitzGerald of Chicago Illinois.  The family moved to Wilmette in 1962. Robert attended Saint Francis Xavier School and Loyola Academy where he was class valedictorian 1973. Robert was grateful for many lasting friendships made while growing up in Wilmette.

Following high school, Robert was accepted into the six-year Honors Program in Medical Education at Northwestern University.  While an undergraduate at Northwestern, Robert studied one year in Vienna, Austria and was completely taken by the music, art, architecture, history and language. He also cherished meeting and forming close relationships with his extended family in Austria.

After graduating from Northwestern University Medical School, Robert completed residency training in Ophthalmology at Northwestern University.  While working as an ophthalmologist in Philadelphia, Robert went on to receive a master's degree in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania in 1995.  His favorite projects included Drayton Hall in Charleston, SC and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Subsequently he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship which enabled him to return to Vienna in 1996 where he worked on several architectural conservation projects.   Afterward, Robert returned to Wilmette and resumed practicing ophthalmology in Park Ridge.  He joined the teaching faculty in Ophthalmology at the University of Illinois in 2003 as an Assistant Professor.  He was named a Scholar for Teaching Excellence Faculty at the University of Illinois 2008-2009.

Robert's intellect, passion for old buildings, love of opera and classical music, enthusiasm for gardening and good food, curiosity, infectious laughter and friendship will be missed by many.   Robert was preceded in death by his parents.   He is survived by his devoted sister Judy (Bob and his extended family), niece Emily (Wil), nephew Danny, cousin Victoria (Clark, daughter Rebecca and her husband Michael), FitzGerald and Nixon  cousins, Haslwanter cousins, relatives from Kauns, "cousin" Suzie, godson Tommy McGimsey, the Boyer/Claeys family, the O'Connors and many close friends and long time neighbors.  A mass for the intention of Robert will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church in Wilmette July 17, 2021 at 5 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Robert's favorite radio station WFMT, the Lyric Opera of Chicago or the Wilmette Historical Society.