Robert L. ” Bobby” Fritz Sr. died peacefully at home on Nov. 1, 2018 at the of age 86. He was born in Waterbury Hospital on Nov. 29, 1931.
He was a graduate of Seymour High School and was the class president, Class of 1949. He was a member of the first Seymour High School football team.
He served his country with pride and honor in the U.S. Navy and was a chef on the USS Becuna during the Korean War. In 1954, he opened Fritz’s Snack Bar in Oxford that his sons still run today. Some of Bobby’s favorite activities were fishing, hunting and clamming in Rhode Island.
Bobby was an avid Red Sox fan. He always played an active role in his children’s lives, including attending activities and as well as coaching Little League and Pop Warner Football. He was a member and past commander of the David S. Miles Post, American Legion of Oxford, as well as a member of Port 5 of Bridgeport, and was honored by them for his U.S. Navy service to our nation. Bobby will be sadly missed by all and will remain forever in our hearts.
His loving family includes his wife, Mary Mastrobattisto Fritz of Oxford; daughters, Mandy Hicks (Victor) of Seymour and Lorie Robinson of Southbury; sons, Bobby Fritz of Naugatuck and Glenn Fritz (Emily) of Southbury; sister, Marian Kalpin of Watertown. He adored his grandchildren, Jessica and Carissa Geloso, Tyler, Brittany and Kayce Hicks, Brady and Nina Fritz and Danielle Robinson, along with his great-granddaughters, Anna Lisa and Arianna, and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, John and Minnie Natusch Fritz; his daughter, Lisa Fritz; his first wife, Eleanor Rizzo Fritz; and brothers, John and Bill Fritz.
A funeral service in celebration of Bobby’s life will be held on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the Seymour Congregational Church, 15 Broad St., Seymour. Interment with military honors will follow in the family plot at Southford Cemetery, Oxford. Friends and relatives may call on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Seymour Congregational Church, 15 Broad St., Seymour.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox For Parkinson Research or Seymour Pink, through the funeral home. The Miller-Ward Funeral Home, 260 Bank St., Seymour, is caring for the family.
To light a virtual candle and leave online condolences, visit www.millerwardfuneralhome.com.
