Mr. Thomas Donald Hritz

Tom was born in Bonne Terre, Missouri, in 1939, one of six children born to Stephen Hritz, who immigrated to America from what is now Croatia, and Julia (Sikorsky) Hritz. His surviving siblings include brother Steve (100) and his sister Dolores (90).

A love of God, family, and country was woven into Tom’s life from an early age. His father served in the U.S. Navy during World War I, and his older brothers, Frank and Steve, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Tom recalled growing up during the war, remembering ration books and the sacrifices families willingly made for the good of the nation. Those experiences shaped a lifelong appreciation for freedom, personal responsibility, and service to others, values he faithfully passed on to his own children and grandchildren.

Tom earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Saint Louis University before completing his MBA at California State University, Long Beach. After teaching high school mathematics for three years, he began what would become a distinguished 34-year career in aerospace programming.

Working for Rohr, McDonnell Douglas, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman, Tom developed software supporting both military and civilian aircraft, including the B-2 Spirit, the F/A-18 Hornet, and numerous classified defense programs requiring Top Secret security clearance. Though he rarely spoke about his accomplishments, he took quiet pride in knowing his work helped protect those who protected our nation. His work continues to fly every day in both military and civilian aircraft around the world.

On November 22, 1962, Tom married Sharon Sue Fischer, beginning a partnership that would span 63 years. Together they raised three daughters, Lisa (John Morgenstern), Shari (Dennis London), and Karin, and were later blessed with grandchildren Cameron (Sara), Amber (Mike), and Corwyn, and great-grandsons Dimitri and Greyson.

During Tom’s early career, the family divided their time between St. Louis and Southern California before settling permanently in Huntington Beach in 1976. He retired in 2002, but retirement simply gave him more time to serve.

A lifelong devout Catholic, Tom believed faith was meant to be lived, not merely professed. Beginning as an altar server in his youth, he later served as a lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, member of parish finance and pastoral councils, and participant in the parish men’s club. At eighteen years old he joined the Knights of Columbus, where he remained an active member for nearly seven decades, achieving the Third Degree while quietly serving both his parish and his community.

Together, Tom and Sharon also became Oblates of St. Benedict, seeking to order their daily lives according to Scripture and the Rule of St. Benedict, striving always to live by its simple purpose: “That in all things God may be glorified.”

In 2018, Tom and Sharon moved to McLendon-Chisholm, Texas, where Tom quickly became involved in the community. He served on his homeowners association board and later as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner, believing that serving one’s community was simply another way to love one’s neighbor. He also became an active supporter of the Rockwall County Republican Party, the Republican Men’s Club, and the Band of Brothers, Sisters, and Friends, where he especially enjoyed supporting veterans and those serving in the military.

Tom fully embraced his new home in Texas. He loved spending summer evenings with family at the Mesquite Championship Rodeo and never lost his appreciation for the traditions and values that drew him to Texas. One of his final joys was attending one last rodeo on June 20 and worshipping at Sunday Mass on Father’s Day, June 21, before his illness prevented him from doing so again.

To those who knew him best, Tom will be remembered less for the titles he held than for the character he displayed. He was humble without pretending to be humble. Intelligent without needing to prove it. Deeply patriotic without seeking recognition. His dry wit, quiet wisdom, unwavering faith, and steadfast devotion to his family will be deeply missed.

During his illness, Tom faced each day with dignity, courage, gratitude for the support and prayers of so many, and was at peace knowing he would soon see God face to face.

Tom spent his life serving God, his family, his Church, his community, and his country. His greatest legacy is not found in the aircraft that still fly, the organizations he served, or the offices he held. It is found in the faith he lived, the family he loved, and the example he leaves for generations to come.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master.” — Matthew 25:23