Mettawa Obituary: Edward J. FitzSimons, 84

LAKE BLUFF, IL — Edward James FitzSimons, former Mayor of Mettawa and a distinguished attorney, died last month at the age of 84.

Born in Baltimore and raised in Libertyville, FitzSimons built a celebrated career in corporate law and civil litigation while serving his community in various leadership roles, including on the Mettawa Village Board.

A devoted husband of 60 years to Dianne, the man known as "Eddie," "Big Ed" or "Fitz" was also known for his wit, warmth, and dedication to family.

Whether playing Santa Claus for children or sharing stories over poker nights, schooling he brought joy to all who knew him, according to an obituary provided by his family.

Details of a memorial service are forthcoming, with memorial contributions encouraged to Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital or the Wikimedia Foundation.

Read full obituary courtesy Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors:

Edward James FitzSimons, age 84, of Lake Bluff, Illinois passed away peacefully on November 16, 2024. Born in Baltimore, Maryland on September 29, 1940 to parents, David FitzSimons and Jean Tanner FitzSimons, the family moved to Libertyville, Illinois in 1947.
After graduating from Libertyville High School, Edward attended Lake Forest College where he both earned a BA in Economics and met his future wife, Dianne Jefferson. They married in 1964 and were blessed to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this past July. Edward continued his education at Northwestern University School of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate laying the foundation for a distinguished career in corporate law and civil litigation in Chicago and later had an office in Lake Forest.

Edward truly enjoyed practicing law and discussing aspects of the law with other attorneys. He was well respected by other attorneys and judges and had a reputation for being a skilled legal writer and zealous advocate for his clients. He never fully retired and continued to practice until his death.

While Edward was devoted to his law practice and helping others solve their problems, he also enjoyed life in a light-hearted way. He instilled in his children an appreciation for the outdoors when they were young by taking the family on campouts and canoe trips. Watching old movies with his grandsons, his regular hot dog lunches with men friends and regular friendly poker nights always were important occasions as was his Sunday morning breakfast with his childhood friend.

Edward and Dianne lived in Mettawa for nearly 40 years where they raised their family. For many of those years he served the community on the board of the Village of Mettawa and later as the Mayor of Mettawa. There, in a country setting, they acquired a variety of animals both farm and domestic. Edward delighted in giving pony cart rides to children and teaching the art of sheep shearing to his many friends. Often there could be a horse or goose roaming the yard. For many years he happily delighted friends’ children and later their grandchildren each Christmas Eve as Santa Claus! That brought joy to all!

Aside from his dedication to, and pride in, his family and his 57-year law practice, Edward took pride in knowing he played high school and college football, attained Eagle Scout status as a boy and served in the US Marine Corp Reserves.

Known affectionally as Grumpy to his grandsons and as Eddie, Big Ed or Fitz to his friends, Edward was known for his brilliant mind, his engaging laugh and his quick wit and was often considered a character, a legend and “one of a kind.”

Edward was a long-time member of the Onwentsia Club and Winter Club of Lake Forest and the Ponte Vedra Club in Florida where he often visited.

Edward leaves caring family and friends who will miss having him near. He is survived by his wife, Dianne, children: Michael (Jennifer) FitzSimons, daughter, Ambler FitzSimons Harrison, grandchildren, Tucker and Sean FitzSimons, Finnian and Larkin Harrison and his sister, Carol and nephew, Robert.

A Memorial Service is being planned, details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Edward’s name may be made to Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, https://www.nm.org/about-us/fo... or The Wikimedia Foundation, https://wikimediafoundation.org/support/.

For more information, contact Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors at (847) 234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com .