He received public education and attended George Washington University, graduating with a Master of Laws degree in 1903.

The following year, he moved to Cleveland, was admitted to the Ohio State Bar Association, and began practicing law.

In 1911, he entered politics and was elected as a Republican city councilman for Ward 11, serving two terms.

[1] In the 1921 mayoral election, FitzGerald was defeated by former Cleveland Police chief Fred Kohler.

[2] FitzGerald died unexpectedly of a heart attack at his home in the Cleveland suburb of North Royalton, at 5:25 AM on October 3, 1937.