[2][3] While still in his youth, Fitzgerald went to Broken Hill to prospect, and partnering with Duncan McCulloch, established the Britannia-Scotia mine there.

He bought early shares in BHP with his proceeds, but sold out before the company's boom as his parents needed money.

In January 1901, he enlisted in the Boer War, where he served with the Fifth Bushmen's Contingent, being promoted to regimental quartermaster and warrant officer while on active service.

Following his return from the war on 26 April 1902, he worked on the wharves at Port Pirie, where he served as president of the Waterside Workers' Federation.

[2][6] He died in office in December 1936 while still serving as both state MP and local alderman and was buried at Port Pirie Cemetery.