It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our long-time boss, coworker, family member and friend, Howard Barnes FitzGerald. Barnes, as he was known to friends, family and coworkers, was one of the three founding FitzGerald brothers who made their start as steel workers with Arlington Iron Works. In 1957, he headed Rent-A-Crane, Inc. as an offshoot of Arlington Iron Works, due to the demand for crane rentals in the DC Metro area. From that time, he managed Rent-A-Crane, Inc. with what many who knew him would call a quiet, brooding demeanor. He never had to yell to get his opinion across, and many respected him for his method of management that involved treating coworkers with respect and fostering an atmosphere of family amongst company employees. This was a quality that he, and his two brothers, acquired from their father, Thomas B. FitzGerald. In 1999, he passed the reigns over to his nephew, and current operating manager, William L. FitzGerald, who many know as Billy, in order to enjoy retirement with his wife, Patricia, and loving family.

From all of us at Rent-A-Crane, Inc., we will miss you Barnes.

A memorial service will be held for Barnes FitzGerald on Saturday December 15, 2012 at 2:00 pm at St. James Episcopal Church at 73 Culpeper Street, in Warrenton, VA.