Former Las Vegas Hilton president dies

Monday, May 22, 2000 | 9:36 a.m.

Former Las Vegas Hilton President John Fitzgerald, who played a key role in the transformation of the city's gambling industry, died Sunday after a long illness.

He was 71.

Fitzgerald took over the helm of the hotel in 1972 after it was purchased by hotel magnate Barron Hilton. The hotel was originally the International Hotel and was at one time the largest in the world.

Fitzgerald moved to Las Vegas after working for Hilton in New York and Beverly Hills, Calif. He instituted stringent cost controls and vigorous marketing efforts aimed at conventioneers.

"I've never known of anybody who's held in as high esteem in the gaming business, and I don't remember ever hearing anybody say a derogatory or bad thing about him," said Jimmy Newman, executive vice president of the Las Vegas Hilton.

The Hilton became known as a destination for high rollers and a major convention hotel, situated adjacent to the city's convention center.

During his time at the Hilton, Fitzgerald also served as president of the Nevada Resort Association and was a member of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority's board of directors.

Former Nevada Gov. Grant Sawyer once called him "a quiet, steady influence on gaming in Nevada."

He is survived by sons Mark of Phoenix and Eric of Las Vegas, and seven grandchildren

Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.