Paul Fitzgerald, a ruckman/forward in the Old Xaverians first B Section premiership team in 1948, has died at age 94.

Paul Fitzgerald AM (XC '39) studied for five years at the NGV Art School, interrupted by three and a half years in the Army during World War II, where he achieve the rank of sergeant.

He set off for London in 1949 and stayed there five years. He spent time in Hollywood in the 1950s, painting portraits of Hollywood stars. He returned to Melbourne in 1957, and painted prime ministers, premiers, prelates and princes in a long and rich career with canvas and brush.

He continued to paint commissioned portraits in the British Isles, North America, Europe and Asia with regularity for many years, as well as travelling throughout Australia.

Fitzgerald was a finalist for the Archibald Prize on multiple occasions and in 1997 was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia and a Knight of Malta.

He married Mary Parker in 1957 and the union lasted until his death. They had seven children, one of whom pre-deceased him.  

Our sincere sympathies to Paul's family and friends.

Ave atque vale. Requiescat in pace.

The Requiem Mass for Paul Desmond Fitzgerald will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 116 Cotham Rd, Kew on FRIDAY (June 30, 2017) commencing at 10.30 a. m. The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of Mass for Burial at Box Hill Cemetery, 395 Middleborough Rd, Box Hill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MS Australia and MND Association. Envelopes will be available at the Church.

From top left: Actress Vivien Leigh, Prince Charles, Neale Fraser, Alan Border, PM Malcolm Fraser, Sir James Gobbo, Pope John XXIII, HM Queen Elizabeth II

‍