Richard Dixon Fitzgerald
February 19, 1945 ~ September 18, 2026
Richard Dixon Fitzgerald, 81, of Fairfax, Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2026. Richard was born on February 19, 1945, in Washington, DC to Josephine and Walter Fitzgerald.
As a young adult, Richard followed in his parents’ footsteps by becoming a funeral director. He began his career at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, transitioned to Arlington Funeral Home, and concluded his dedicated career at Money and King Funeral Home in Vienna.
A committed community member, Richard was a lifetime member of the Falls Church Lions Club and active in the Northern Virginia Funeral Directors Association. Outside of his profession and volunteer work, he found great joy in nature, the beach, and fishing. Above all, he was a beloved father and grandfather, known for his unique sense of humor, generous spirit, willingness to help anyone in need, and knack for sharing an occasional dirty joke.
He is survived by his wife, Eva Fitzgerald; his children, Jeff Fitzgerald, Becky Scanlon, and Katie Nordeen; and his five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Money and King Funeral Home in Vienna, Virginia.
Services
Memorial Service: September 26, 2026 1:00 pm
Money and King Funeral Home
171 Maple Ave. W
Vienna, VA 22180
703-938-7440
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Richard was loved by everyone who ever worked with him. Many funeral directors and embalmers have great memories of his uncanny sense of humor and lighthearted personality as he worked day after day in his career! Although he was humorous with co-workers he was very respectful and professional with families who had lost loved ones. Richard will be very missed!
Linda, do you remember the silly version of “Thanks for the Memory” we used to sing on our commute to Arlington Funeral Home?
I think it went something like:
“Thanks for the memories…
Of driving flower vans,
Big black sedans,
And removal cars that took you to the stars…” 😄
I can’t remember the rest, but it still makes me smile thinking about those rides to work.
George R. Rowles
San Diego, CA
Tim, Rich wasn’t chewing you out… he was investing extra time in your development. The rest of us just didn’t need as much coaching!
Tom. I remember those day with great memories. You, me, Tom, Ernie, Mac, Gary and Richard. Richard was 7 days older than me. So many times he told me he was older, much more mature, and wiser than me. Probably was.
Richard was there for me during a most difficult time in my life.
Richard was a tremendous friend to me and many others.
The world was a kinder place because Richard touched so many lives
Myron Arledge– Arlington Limousine
Richard was a wonderful person
He was a great customer and I looked forward to serving him.
I had the privilege of working for Richard more than 35 years ago. He was my boss, my mentor, and someone I deeply respected. Long before I truly understood what it meant to be a funeral director, Richard was showing me every day that this profession is not simply about arranging funerals—it is about serving people with compassion, dignity, and grace during the most difficult moments of their lives.
Richard led by example. He possessed a quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and genuine kindness that earned the respect of everyone who knew him. He never had to demand excellence because he inspired it. Watching him serve families taught me lessons that have remained with me throughout my own career.
What makes my memories of Richard even more meaningful is that he was also the funeral director who cared for my father when he died. At one of the most difficult times in my family’s life, Richard was there—not as my employer, but as a compassionate professional who guided us with the same care and respect he gave every family he served. Experiencing his kindness from the other side of the arrangement table gave me an even deeper appreciation for the man he was.
Over the years, I have often reflected on the example Richard set. Much of who I am as a funeral director today was shaped by what I learned from him—not only about the profession, but about humility, integrity, and treating every family as if they were your own.
Richard was one of those rare individuals who answered a calling rather than simply choosing a career. His legacy lives on in the families he served, the funeral directors he mentored, and the countless lives he touched—including mine.
More than 35 years have passed since I first worked for Richard, yet I still find myself remembering the lessons he taught without ever having to say very much. That, perhaps, is the mark of a truly great leader. His influence continues to guide me, and for that, I will always be grateful.
I will always have such fond memories of the many times we shared over the years. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Eva, Jeff, Becky, Katie, and his grandchildren during this very difficult time. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.