Robert “Bob” Fitzsimmons
May 28, 1946 - November 2, 2025
Robert “Bob” Fitzsimmons, 79, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by his loving family. He passed from complications of a lung transplant due to Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome (BOS), a complication of his transplanted lung.
Born on May 28, 1946, Bob lived a full and generous life marked by kindness, humor, and dedication to those he loved. Raised in Chicago, Illinois, he was an Honor Roll and Honor Society student at Lane Tech High School. He later attended Brigham Young University, where he was a proud member of The Samuel Hall Society and built lifelong friendships that he cherished throughout his life.
Bob enjoyed a long and successful career in real estate, earning numerous awards and the respect of colleagues and clients alike. Away from work, he was an avid golfer who won many competitions and took great joy in the camaraderie of the game.
He was known for his generosity and compassion, giving to many charities and quietly helping those less fortunate, often extending kindness to people he met on the streets. Bob remained close to his family throughout his life and was always there for them whenever they needed help.
Though he claimed to “hate the world of computers,” Bob met every new challenge with determination and humor, knowing that keeping up with technology was just another way to stay connected to the world around him.
After receiving his lung transplant, Bob lived with remarkable courage and gratitude for ten years, two weeks, and four days. The last six weeks of his life were not comfortable, but he faced them with grace and appreciation for the love that surrounded him. During his final month, he was cared for at home under hospice, with his family by his side to the end.
Bob passed away just 15 minutes into Día de los Muertos — the Day of the Dead — a day that honors the memory of loved ones who have passed. His family finds comfort in that timing, believing it’s something Bob himself would have planned if he could.
Bob’s body was donated to the University of Utah Medical Center to further medical research and help others in the future — his final act of giving.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his warmth, generosity, and the love he shared with all who knew him.
A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, November 21st from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT. Guests are encouraged to use the main parking lot and entrance in the back of the building. Share your photos and memories with his family at www.starksfuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Smile Train or Doctors Without Borders.
As Bob would say, “Forget the past live in the present and look forward to the future.”
In Loving Memory
Cathy and Terri, You could not hope for a better brother. He kept you in laughs and lifted your lives when you needed it most. I always thought he would outlive us all. So desperately sorry for your loss. This one hurts because you loved him AND everyone liked Bob! Peace and love to you and your families as you navigate these dark waters. Bob walks with you as your protector. Death doth not end a relationship. Remember to talk to him. I'm thankful for the richness and character of the Fitzsimmons family. Your tribe is truly inspiring, with deep, loving characters!
Kwintone Houberg-Lawton
Salt Lake City, UT
Bob’s positive influence in my life will always be remembered. He reminded me to live in the present and to take care of myself. His humor was fun to be around. Bob helped our two sons so much, teaching them golf, being at their baseball games, and spending time with them at home and on trips with us. I always felt Bob was easy to talk with, and he had a very caring heart. Seeing his courage working through his later health concerns inspired me. I will also miss Bob’s personality—he was a great man and a friend.
Verl Tidwell
West Jordan, UT