Gold Canyon – Frank “Hugs” Fitzgerald, 90, of Gold Canyon AZ, peacefully passed away on April 28, 2021.

Born in Cleveland Ohio, Frank graduated with a B.S. in Art Studio and an M.A. in Art Education from Case Western Reserve University in collaboration with The Cleveland Institute of Art.

Frank taught art in the Phoenix Union High School District and then joined the art faculty of Glendale Community College for 30 years, where he served as the Art and Photography Department Chairman for 15 years and Associate Dean of Continuing Education for three years. Frank taught drawing and composition, two and three-dimensional design, photography and sculpture.

Frank was a member of the 3515th Maintenance Squadron in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict where he received the Korean Service Medal and the UN Service Medal. While overseas he photographed the life, people and architecture of Asian cultures and it influenced his art ever since.

Frank focused his energies into activities that improved lives and brought people together. His many leadership and community roles include District Commander of the United States Power Squadron boating organization, District Eight Director of the National Association of Parliamentarians, President of the Arizona State Association of Parliamentarians, President of the Yavapai College Foundation, and President of the Friends of Yavapai College Art.

Frank’s lifelong passion was sailing. His boats (Moira, Flame, Wind Tree and R&R) were the focal point of many gatherings and reunions for friends and family in and around the San Diego area. He often said he felt at home in San Diego from the first time he arrived there many years ago.

Anyone who knows Frank knows he was the most sincere hugger. To kick off one of his training sessions for the National Association of Parliamentarians, he famously held up a sign that read “Will Work For Hugs”. His warm hugs inspired and comforted so many that Mayor Harry B. Oberg of Prescott, AZ, declared by proclamation that August 19th of 2017 would be FRANK “HUGS” FITZGERALD DAY.

Frank is predeceased by his first wife, Margaret, aka Peggy. He is survived by their five children: Tom (Nettie), Mary Kennedy, Mark (Lynette), John, and Paul (Vanessa). Frank is also predeceased by his second wife, Cathy, who brought six children to the family by which Frank is also survived: Mary Heine (Tim), Sarah Gasper (Ray), Tim Johnson, Ben Johnson, Amy Daniels (Adam), and James Johnson (Kim). Frank will be greatly missed by his 11 children, 23 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, extended family and many, many friends.

A celebration of life will be held in Gold Canyon Arizona on Saturday, 30 October 2021.   A 2pm Zoom connection is also available. Please see the Events tab for details and please RSVP.    In lieu of flowers please consider sending a donation to an art scholarship that has been set up in Frank's honor. If you care to make a donation, please make your check payable to MCCF (Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation) and designate the Frank Fitzgerald Art Scholarship. You may also make a gift online: https://www.gccaz.edu/give-gc… .

Frank “Hugs” Fitzgerald consistently showered love, compassion and grace on his family, friends, students and colleagues. He will be dearly missed by countless many who were lucky enough to experience his hugs.