Obituary for William Baird Fritz Sr.
William Baird Fritz, Sr., 89, of Hummelstown, passed away Sunday, August 20, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family and pets.
Born in Carlisle on January 4, 1928, he was the son of the late Chester and Evelyn Lay Fritz.
Bill retired as an Electrical Engineer from the former AMP Inc. He was a graduate of Rome Free Academy, Rome, NY, and received his Bachelor’s degree from Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY. Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and recipient of the Bronze Star for his service in World War II. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Korean Conflict.
Bill’s caring of the well-being of children and family led him and his wife to become foster parents. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Hummelstown. Bill was also a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the American Legion. He was the Treasurer and coach for many years of the Lower Dauphin Soccer Association. Bill loved to go fishing; was an avid snow skier enjoying the slopes until he was 78 years old; and enjoyed doing woodworking.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Catherine “Cathy” M. Oswald Fritz, whom he married on April 10, 1981; one daughter, Angelah R. Gelnett wife of Jeffrey L. Gelnett of Clarksville, TN; three sons, William B. Fritz, Jr. of Hummelstown, Alan Fritz of Lewisberry, and Brian Fritz husband of Cindy Fritz of Waxsau, NC; five grandchildren, Alea Fritz, Beckett Gelnett, Hudson Gelnett, Tatum Gelnett, and Katie Fritz; and a foster child, Krista McGarvey. He will also be dearly missed by his two Golden Retrievers, Libby and Tucker, and his fat cat, Levi.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 25, 2017, at 2 PM in Trinity United Methodist Church, 210 West Main Street, Hummelstown, with The Rev. Jason R. Mackey, his pastor, officiating. Interment with military honors will be in the Hershey Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Friday in the church from 12:00 noon until time of the service.
Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made in Bill’s name to Kindred Hospice, 4660 Trindle Road, Suite 204, Camp Hill, PA 17011.
Online condolences may be shared on www.trefzandbowser.com
Born in Carlisle on January 4, 1928, he was the son of the late Chester and Evelyn Lay Fritz.
Bill retired as an Electrical Engineer from the former AMP Inc. He was a graduate of Rome Free Academy, Rome, NY, and received his Bachelor’s degree from Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY. Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and recipient of the Bronze Star for his service in World War II. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Korean Conflict.
Bill’s caring of the well-being of children and family led him and his wife to become foster parents. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Hummelstown. Bill was also a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the American Legion. He was the Treasurer and coach for many years of the Lower Dauphin Soccer Association. Bill loved to go fishing; was an avid snow skier enjoying the slopes until he was 78 years old; and enjoyed doing woodworking.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Catherine “Cathy” M. Oswald Fritz, whom he married on April 10, 1981; one daughter, Angelah R. Gelnett wife of Jeffrey L. Gelnett of Clarksville, TN; three sons, William B. Fritz, Jr. of Hummelstown, Alan Fritz of Lewisberry, and Brian Fritz husband of Cindy Fritz of Waxsau, NC; five grandchildren, Alea Fritz, Beckett Gelnett, Hudson Gelnett, Tatum Gelnett, and Katie Fritz; and a foster child, Krista McGarvey. He will also be dearly missed by his two Golden Retrievers, Libby and Tucker, and his fat cat, Levi.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 25, 2017, at 2 PM in Trinity United Methodist Church, 210 West Main Street, Hummelstown, with The Rev. Jason R. Mackey, his pastor, officiating. Interment with military honors will be in the Hershey Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Friday in the church from 12:00 noon until time of the service.
Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made in Bill’s name to Kindred Hospice, 4660 Trindle Road, Suite 204, Camp Hill, PA 17011.
Online condolences may be shared on www.trefzandbowser.com