Fritz P. Mueller

On Friday, November 7th, the Lord called home Fritz P. Mueller to join Betty, his loving wife of 58 years. He was a special brother to three, father of four, grandfather of eight, teacher, mentor, coach, and a great friend to many.

Fritz Mueller was born in the Town of Hamptonburgh, New York on April 12, 1924 to his loving parents Richard Walter Mueller and Margarethe J. Beger, and is survived by his sister Elizabeth LaVena, brothers Walter and Herbert Mueller, his children, Glen Mueller (Loretta) of San Diego, CA, Gail Fischer (John) of Rio Verde, AZ, Donna Finkelstein (Ray) of Roslyn Estates, NY, Dawn Preston (Stephen) of Port Washington, NY. As a teacher, educator and coach Fritz instilled the importance and joy of family, education, hard work, and teamwork to his eight beloved grandchildren; Gretchen and Eric Mueller, Jaime Stilson-Maiz and Danielle Stilson, Evan and Dana Finkelstein and Andrew and Daniel Preston.

Fritz grew up on a farm and graduated from Maybrook High School before matriculating to Cortland State University in 1941. He played soccer, football and basketball before leaving school in 1943 to join the U.S. Army. Fritz spent 18 months in the WW2 European Theater of Operations serving in the 1567th Engineer Depot Company. He returned to Cortland in 1946 and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1947 and then went on to receive his master’s degree in education from Columbia University. Fritz was inducted into the C-Club Hall of Fame in 1992. It was at Cortland where he met Betty, his beloved wife.

From 1949-1953, Fritz taught and coached at Cornwall (NY) High School. In 1953, Fritz took a position at Manhasset High School on Long Island, NY and the Mueller family lived in nearby Port Washington. During 29 years at Manhasset High School, Fritz was an educator; coached football and basketball; served as the Athletic Director; and was later inducted into the Manhasset Athletic Hall of Fame. Always active within the community, Fritz was Past Exalted Ruler at the Port Washington Elks, a former Master of Lodge at the Port Washington Masonic Lodge and a Deacon at the Congregational Church of Manhasset.

Fritz and his wife Betty both retired in 1982 and moved to the Apache Wells Community in Mesa, AZ. Fritz was a very involved community leader serving as President of the Apache Wells Shrine Club and the Apache Wells Country Club Board. Fritz was an active member of the Apache Wells Community Church, helped children through his service in the Shriners, continued as an athlete who enjoyed playing golf and softball and volunteering at many golf tournaments. A Field of Dreams became a reality through Fritz’s activities with the Apache Wells Softball League. He was instrumental in the project to design and construct the Apache Wells Softball Field, named Mueller Field in his honor, and served as the League’s commissioner and regional tournament organizer for many years.

A Celebration of Fritz Mueller’s Life will be held on December 13, 2014 at 2 pm at the Congregational Church of Manhasset, 1845 Northern Boulevard, Manhasset, NY 11030. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a transformational gift to the Fritz & Betty Mueller Memorial Scholarship, through their alma mater, SUNY Cortland. Checks can be made payable to the Cortland College Foundation PO Box 2000 Cortland, NY 13045. In the memo line, write Mueller Scholarship.