Alton Fritz
August 2, 1931 — November 22, 2017
Alton D. Fritz, Jr., 86, of Knoxville, passed from this life on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at Kline Hospice House in Mount Airy. He was the husband of the late Shirley Fritz, who preceded him in death in 2014. Born on August 2, 1931, in Frederick, he was the son of the late Alton D. Fritz and Dorothy L. (Wachter) Fritz.
Mr. Fritz served in the United States Air Force, having given over 20 years of distinguished service. After his Honorable Discharge from the Air Force, he retired from Frederick Community College after many years.
Alton was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was a member of the AMVETS, Post #2 and the American Legion, FSK Post #11.
As a volunteer for the CAMPER association with the Catoctin Area National Park in Thurmont, he helped with the restoration and re-opening of Camp Misty Mount. He was an avid fan of the Frederick Keys, Washington Redskins and the Washington Nationals.
Surviving are four children, Richard B. Fritz and wife Jean of Brooklyn Park, MN; Debra L. Fogle and husband Richard of Walkersville; Larry A. Fritz and wife Cindy of Monrovia; and Sharon A. Smith and husband Walter of Knoxville. He was the loving grandfather to 7 grandchildren: Joshua Fritz and wife Katie, David Cervantes, Laura Rippeon, Charlene Fritz and husband Nick, Julia Taylor and husband Nathan, Steven Smith and wife Melissa and Shawn Smith; 16 great-grandchildren; a niece, Shawn Fritz Gypins and her husband Corey and nephew, Thomas Fritz, Jr. and wife Tara. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Fritz, Sr.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday, November 27, 2017 at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike in Frederick. A celebration of Alton's life journey will take place at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, in the chapel of the funeral home. Pastor Robert Ruggieri will officiate. Interment will be in Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Frederick.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Frederick County, earmarked for Kline Hospice House, PO Box 1599, Frederick, MD 21702.
Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.