Gary L. Fritch

Gary Lee Fritch, ("Papa"), 70, passed into eternal life on September 12, 2009 at his residence with his loving family at his bedside. He has suffered for two years from a blood cancer and liver cancer.

Born June 17, 1939 in Warren, Ohio, he was the only child of Merwin Marvin (Ted) and Ava Marie Wainfor Fritch. He resided in the Warren area most of his life. He lived a fruitful life devoted to family and church, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him as a gentle, loving and generous man. He loved making people smile, though he was a shy person, and brought much sunshine into the lives of everyone he touched.

On June 21, 1963 he married the love of his life Marilyn Harriet Kay Fritch. That union produced three wonderful children and nine beautiful grandchildren; they were his pride and joy. He enjoyed traveling, attending his grandchildren's school and sports activities, and spent the last three winters in Casa Grande, Arizona with his wife. He was a fan of the Cleveland Indians and enjoyed watching football. His hobbies were doing jig-saw puzzles, electronics, travel and being the "grill meister" for family cookouts. The family spent many years camping and instilled a love of this family activity in his children which they continue enjoying. He had a special interest in collector autos and his "baby" was his 1953 Buick Roadmaster which he called Black Beauty. He was a long time member of Youngstown Buicks of Yesteryear. He and his wife loved cruising and celebrated the millennium in the Caribbean on a cruise-ship.

Gary graduated from Harding High School in 1957 and Youngstown University in 1963 with a degree in Business and Accounting. He was a member of ROTC while in college, and upon graduation entered active duty with the U.S. Army. He served at Ft. Gordon, Ga., Ft. Lee, Va., Korea, and Naha, Okinawa advancing to the rank of Captain before entering civilian life. He was employed with Marine Midland Bank in New York City and Middletown, New York; upon returning to Ohio he worked briefly for a bank in Windham, Ohio and then became an accountant with Republic Steel, LTV Steel and WCI Steel. He retired in 2006 as the senior inventory analyst.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Warren where he served as a Sunday School teacher and member of the grounds committee. He was active for many years with the "Two-Sum Forum" group there, and served as an usher and chair of the Greeters. He was always available for whatever chore he could perform for his church family until his health failed. He attended the Sunscape RV Resort chapel when in Arizona, also serving as an usher there.

He and Marilyn served as co-chairs of the raffle committee for the annual Park Party at the Sunscape RV Resort in Casa Grande, Arizona. Gary was treasurer of the Statler Ridge Condo Association for several years, retiring in 2009 for health reasons.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, a son Michael Scott Fritch (Susan) of Champion, daughters Heidi Kay Holk (William), and Jennifer Marie Hudak (John) both of Southington; grandchildren Kristen Lynn Fritch of Washington, D.C., Amanda Rose Shay of New York City, John Hudak III, Emilie Maree Fritch, Jesse Alexander Hudak, Jacob Michael Fritch, Jason Cameron Hudak, Brandon William Holk and Jarrett Michael Hudak, sisters-in-law Cynthia (Roger) Shafer of Mecca, Anita (Paul) Easter of Lombard, IL, Kathleen Kay of Bazetta and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services to celebrate his life will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Friday, September 18, 2009 at 1:00pm with the Rev. Russell Cowden officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Meadow Brook Memorial Park. Calling hours will be held at McFarland & Son Funeral Home on Thursday September 17, 2009 from 6 to 8pm and one hour prior to the services at First Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to S.O.P.H.I.A. (Stop One Place Help Is Available, Inc.) which his wife founded and directs, c/o First Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning NW, Warren, Ohio 44483, or to Celtic Healthcare of Northeast Ohio, 3530 Belmont Ave., Suite 7, Youngstown, Ohio 44505.

Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services, 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481. Please visit www.mcfarlandfuneral.com to view this obituary and send condolences.