Franklyn "Fritz" Robert Fritz

PENSACOLA - Franklyn Robert Fritz, age 93, passed away peacefully at home on December 16, 2022. Franklyn, or “Fritz”, as he was better known, was born in Altoona PA on 10 June 1929 to Hiram Clude and Jessie (Bartley) Fritz. He had an active youth participating in Boy Scouts where he achieved 1st class prior to the troop being disbanded due to lack of leadership caused by World War II. He was a member of DeMolay, Altoona High School Band and worked six years as a paper carrier. He met his future wife, Peggy Ann Markley, on VE Day and they were married on 27 December 1950 during his last year at Penn State University. Fritz graduated from Penn State with a degree in Architectural Engineering in August 1951, the last individual to receive a degree under the 4-year curriculum. Following graduation, Fritz and Peggy moved to Pittsburgh PA where Fritz was employed as an engineer with a steel consulting firm.

From there Fritz went to work as a chimney engineer designing brush and reinforced concrete industrial chimneys.

Following a 1952 visit to his mother-in-law in Pensacola FL, and in spite of experiencing hurricane Florence, Fritz moved his young family to Pensacola on 28 December 1954. He embarked on his career with the US Navy Facilities Engineering Command, Architectural Branch for the Engineering Department Area Branch Chief of Naval Air bases at NAS Pensacola. Over his 42-year career with the Navy in facilities planning, Fritz served many branches and commands and designed the Chapel at NAS and submarine training facilities in Norfolk VA, San Diego CA, Charleston SC, SeaTac WA and New London CT.

Fritz was actively involved in the Pensacola Art Center and a lifelong Rotarian having helped establish Rotoract Clubs at local Escambia high schools and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of Five Flags Fiesta Krewe of Lafitte, Beulah Volunteer Fire Department, the local chapter

of the Republican National Committee, and a leader and adventurer with Boy Scouts of America for many years encouraging other adults to lead BSA.

In retirement Fritz was active in raising his grandchildren, Desiree and Trevor Fritz, and volunteered at their schools, attended every swim meet and football game they participated in and was awarded Escambia County Grandfather of the Year as the result of an essay his granddaughter wrote.

Fritz is survived by his sons Blaine (Susan) Fritz of Reston VA/Gulf Breeze FL and Mark Aaron of Pensacola; his grandchildren, Desiree (Cody) White of Jacksonville FL, Trevor Aaron Fritz (Judi) of Pensacola, Sue Ann (Chad) Pope of New Port Richey FL and Stacy Long of Chantilly VA; four great

granddaughters, Ava Marie White, Harper Marie Fritz, Sawyer Jade Caldwell and Bailey Laurent Taranto; brother Rodger Lee (Daisyanna) Fritz of Owego NY; nieces and nephews, Dianna Buckreis, Jason (Kaija) Fritz, Beth Robertson, Timothy (Bridget) Markley and Daniel (Allison) Markley.

Fritz is preceded in death by his parents, his devoted wife and life partner of 71 years, Peggy, and his son Robert Daryl Fritz.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Rotary Foundation at Donate | My Rotary (https://my.rotary.org/en/donate) to facilitate the charitable works done by Rotary International around the world.

A Visitation for Franklyn will be held Wednesday, December 21, 2022 from 12:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, 3351 Scenic Highway 90e, Pensacola, FL 32503, followed by a Funeral Service at 12:30 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BayviewFisher-PouChapel.com for the Fritz family.