Hugh Asa Fitzsimons, Jr. passed peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, April 17, 2021, with his beloved Andrea by his side. A master of the quick quip and possessing an infectious humor, Hugh loved life. He had a great love for people, dogs, horses, and cattle. He also had a passion for land conservation that continues with his children and grandchildren. An Irishman to the core, he was a master storyteller. As he recently said, “If an Irishman dies while telling a story, he will be back.” Hugh will be back in the lives of his family and friends.
Known as “Pappy” to his nine grandchildren and “Pappylito” to his four step-grandchildren, Hugh was born in Shreveport, La., on January 19, 1930, to Hugh Asa Fitzsimons and Val Burch Fitzsimons. The family moved to San Antonio in 1933. Hugh graduated from Texas Military Institute in 1946 and attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Schooling did not end with college, however, as Hugh was an avid reader, especially of history.
In 1951, Hugh married Laura Lu “Lolly” Carrigan of Wichita Falls, Texas. They had three children, Pam, Sunny, and Joseph. The family divided their time between San Antonio and the San Pedro Ranch in Dimmit County, Texas, where Hugh continued his father's passion for cattle and horses. Fascinated by bloodlines and breeding, he was always looking for innovations, and befriended leading beef and range experts, including Rhodesian native Alan Savory and Dr. Jan Bonsma from South Africa, a proponent of “functional efficiency,” to help with his Brahman and Hereford herds.
His interests led him to leadership positions in numerous livestock and ranching organizations, including the Texas Beef Council and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.
Besides his family, perhaps no passion ranked as high as horses. An avid horseman, Hugh began playing polo with his father at the age of 12 when many of the players in San Antonio's fabled polo community went to fight in World War II. Many years later, he found tremendous joy in watching his grandchildren play. Later, Hugh took up three-day eventing. But perhaps nothing excited him more than horse racing.
Breeding and racing thoroughbreds was Hugh's lifelong passion. He was a walking encyclopedia of bloodlines. A member of The Jockey Club, he held leadership positions in numerous other racing-related organizations and, from 1988 to 1993, served as chairman of the Texas Racing Commission. Hugh's contributions to horse racing always focused on the welfare of his first love, the horse. As such, he supported the tireless work of many people that culminated in the passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, signed into law by President Trump in 2020. In later years, when no longer at the track, he could be found bouncing his great-grandchildren on his lap while watching live races.
In addition to his ranching and equine interests, Hugh was an accomplished pilot, businessman, and philanthropist. He served on the Texas Aeronautics Commission from 1966-1972 and was either a director or co-founder of three South Texas banks.
As a trustee of the Ewing Halsell Foundation, Hugh was instrumental in the establishment of charter schools in San Antonio. He was a firm believer in the power of school choice to provide opportunities for those seeking a high-quality education for all. Beyond his philanthropy, Hugh was generous with his time and mentored many young friends. As one young admirer said, “I always felt better after talking with him.”
In 1994 Hugh married Berthica Andrea Fitzsimons. Together they pursued passions for travel, music, and hunting, and enjoyed the company of many great friends. In addition to Andrea, Hugh is survived by a large loving family, including his children: Pamela Fitzsimons Howard and husband, Ryland; Hugh Asa Fitzsimons, III, and wife Sarah; Joseph B.C. Fitzsimons and wife Blair; and his nine grandchildren: Hugh Asa Fitzsimons IV; Patrick Fitzsimons; Evelyn Fitzsimons Clark and husband Matt; Fay Fitzsimons Walker and husband Brevard; Anson Boulware Howard, and wife Meredith; Laura Isabel Howard; Jonathan Calvert Fitzsimons and wife Burkley; Louisa Carrigan Howard and fiancee Devon; and Katherine Burgwin Fitzsimons. He was also devoted to his stepchildren: Bertha Maria Castellvi Bryant and husband Brad; Susie Castellvi Streller and husband, Steve; Carol Castellvi Marable and husband, Todd; and David Castellvi; and their children, Julia and Joseph Streller, and Amanda and William Marable. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his three sisters: Pauline Fitzsimons Love, Jamie Fitzsimons Adger and Seawillow Fitzsimons Perron.
Due to covid restrictions, there will be a family-only memorial service at 1:00 pm on Friday, April 23, 2021. You may find the link to view the service within Hugh's obituary page at www.porterloring.com and share stories about Hugh. We are deeply grateful to Hugh's long-time assistant, America Vargas, for many years of faithful service and devotion; to Felisha Singer, Valentina Pereida, Angel Orta, Mari Torrez and the staff of 4242 Broadway for their loving care; and to Four Seasons Hospice and Porter Loring for their guidance. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Village at Incarnate Word; Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word; or the Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation.
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