Great Brain's descendants.

One of the most fascinating parts about this research project was the unexpected insights that came my way.  Many writers or researchers have a direction or end result they are searching for.  Mine was unclear.  I knew without a doubt that some type of serious discovery was needed.  Too many people had searched for their own answers and had come up empty.  From there anything was possible.

At times the findings hurt so bad I would just sit and cry.  The "Great Brain" discoveries were some of the hardest.  I remember explaining it to my mom.  Both of us aching for his sorrow.  Wanting to comfort him and make it all right.  Tonight a new Fitzgerald Follower asked me a question.  I was so glad he did, yes, it brought the sorrow back, but it reminded me that I forgot a few details.  So Rubin here goes-  you asked when he died and what of his descendants.

Thomas Fitzgerald, Jr.  died at the age of 86 on October 27, 1988.  He was survived by his second wife Florence and their daughter Mary (both of whom resided in California).  Only three people attended his service.  One of them was a lady who happened to be passing the cemetery at the time of the service, she had no idea who the service was for, but felt the other two men would want companionship at that time. My heart just broke for the image that understanding created.

Regarding his descendants, Tom had two other children with Florence, the eldest's name was Tuck.  Tuck's obituary was sent to me on a fluke at the time I didn't know Tom and Florence had children.  I had sent a letter asking for Tom's obituary, the librarian found Tuck's instead.  Tuck's given name was Thomas H. Fitzgerald.  He died in 1969, following a 10 day illness in a Salt Lake City Hospital.

I have assumed that Tuck's passing was brutal to Tom.  The losses he had to endure during his adulthood were tremendous. No wonder he sought seclusion. The list of passing is as follows his first wife, their child, his second wife to divorce, his second child-nearly 20 years ahead of him, and his daughter living with her mother.

From my point of view I can see why the once clever Great Brain could be overlooked.  The boy who once was, shared nothing in common with the man he became.

On a happy note though, as I dragged out the obituaries to read them, a paragraph about Thomas Fitzgerald, Jr. caught my attention.  I hope you don't mind if I quote it.  "Graduated from Carbon HIgh School in 1922.  Active in all high school sports.  Excelled as a boxer and swimmer."