Fitzgerald, John Dennis

Born 1903 in Boston, MA; died 1991 in South Carolina. Attorney, Judge, educator. John C. Fitzgerald graduated from Boston College in 1925 and received his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1928. In 1929 he joined the faculty at Loyola University School of Law, the start of a 30 year career at the school. In 1937 he was named dean of the Law School, a positin he held until 1959. During World War II, Fitzgerald worked with the United States Alien Enemy Hearing Board and the office of the Alien Property Custodian. He also served on the Atomic Energy Commission from 1949 to 1957. After leaving Loyola, Fitzgerald worked as a judge and administrator in the Circuit Court of Cook County where he was a leading figure in the reorganization of the court system.

American author of children's books noted for his "Great Brain" series.

School teacher, administrator.

Utah educator and social activist.

John Dennis Fitzgerald was born in 1907 in Utah. He worked as journalist, editor, and author for many years and published his first book for children The Great Brain in 1967. This book and the others in the "Great Brain" series were based on the author's childhood in Utah Territory with his brother Tom, the original "Great Brain." John Dennis Fitzgerald wrote in a conversational style with a great deal of sympathy and insight for his characters. The "Great Brain" series was praised by critics for its "subtle characterizations" and mix of humor and suspense. His stories were also cited by critics for their depiction of American family life and the American value system. In the books, Tom and his "Great Brain" wrestle with the dilemma of needing to do good yet also wanting to make a profit. John Dennis Fitzgerald died on May 21, 1988. Biographical Sources: Something About the Author, Vol. 20, p. 50-58. Something About the Author, Vol. 56, p. 51. Twentieth Century Children's Writers, 3rd ed., p. 345-346.