About the Founder, Pegeen Fitzgerald

A Tribute

by Jeanne Toomey

I knew who they were.  Ed Fitzgerald used to say that he made more money in 45 minutes than anyone else in the world (in the broadcasting field).  They introduced the idea of presenting their real feelings and emotions, their actual living chapter by chapter, playing, even fighting with no holds barred.  The formula worked because of their down to earth approach and the fact that their lives were interesting.  They were a brilliant pair.

The first and last really successful radio breakfast team, the Fitzgeralds were then on NBC radio, later a fixture on WOR.  When the lovely, loving, wonderful Pegeen became ill, no one could believe she could die!  But, once the cancer hit the bone, she faded away from us, growing thinner by the week until one cold day in January 1989, she was no more.

Her memorial service brought hordes of fans, friends, admirers, rich and poor, young and old, to St. Jean Baptiste at 76th Street Lexington Avenue in Manhattan.  After her death, her lawyer, Leanard S. Leaman, carried out a final request to suggest friends carry on her work.  I think of her daily.  If that were not enough, pictures and the very design and layout of the Last Post remains the living accomplishment of Pegeen Fitzgerald.