John I. Fitzgerald

John Ignatius Fitzgerald (July 18, 1882 – December 16, 1966) was an American attorney who served in the Massachusetts General Court and on the Boston City Council. He was the Democratic nominee for the United States Senate in 1948.

Early life Fitzgerald was born on July 18, 1882, in Boston. While in grammar school, his father died and Fitzgerald went to work as a newspaper boy. While still in his teens, Fitzgerald ran a cigar and newspaper store. In 1910 he began working as a contractor. He performed a significant amount of street work in the West End. Once he entered politics, Fitzgerald shifted from contracting to real estate. He also operated two of the city's busiest parking lots, located the near the Boston Garden/North Station.

Political career At the age of 18, Fitzgerald was chosen by Martin Lomasney to serve as a precinct captain. In 1941 he finished 5th in a Boston School Committee race where the top two candidates were elected. He ran for his old council seat in 1943, but lost to Russo 47% to 26%. In 1945, Fitzgerald was appointed Boston Fire Commissioner by acting mayor John E. Kerrigan. Fitzgerald ran again in 1954, but finished third in the primary behind Foster Furcolo and Joseph L. Murphy.

Later life and death In November 1966, Fitzgerald gave up operating his parking lot near North Station. He was later confined to his home after he fell and broke his arm. At midnight on December 16, 1966, Fitzgerald died of a heart attack at his home in the West End.