Peter Lawrence Fritsch

Peter Lawrence Fritsch, 78, of Ellington, loving husband of over 50 years of the late Deborah Rice, peacefully passed away in his sleep surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Born in Newington on October 30, 1946, a son of the late Richard and Marie (Golden) Fritsch, Peter set his roots in Marlborough for over 30 years prior to moving to Ellington. Peter was a graduate of Newington High School, class of 1964 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Hartford.

Throughout his life, Peter found joy in being an entertainer and putting a smile on peoples’ faces. Professionally, he performed as a musician, managed bands and entertainers, and owned and operated multiple restaurants, most notably Wizard’s in Tolland, and Gulf Stream in Amherst, MA. When it was time to start a family, he launched a successful career as an executive recruiter, but music and entertainment remained a constant in his life. Socially, he loved to cook for his family and friends, or treat them to a night out. He was a master gardener and took great pride in his harvest every season. He was also an avid, loyal fan of UConn basketball and football teams, and cheered on (or lamented about) the NY Giants. Most of all, Peter was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones.

Peter is survived by his loving partner, Lora Stuart of Ellington; a daughter, Alana M. Adams and her husband Andrew and their children Easton and Dalton of Tolland; a son, Thomas C. Fritsch and his wife Lauren and their children Ruby and Cameron of Easthampton, MA. Peter also leaves a brother, Richard Fritsch and his wife Kimberly of East Hartford; a sister, Valerie Russo and her husband Barry of Leesburg, FL; a cousin Sharon Cormier and her husband John of Tolland; a brother-in-law, William Rice and his wife Debbie of Holbrook, NY; four sisters-in-law, Christine Rice and her spouse Gerrie Paige of Peekskill, NY, Cynthia Rice and her husband Jim Hawkins of Lantana, FL, Stephanie Victor and her husband Michael of Cape Coral, FL, Jennifer Rice and her partner Joe Portella of Amityville, NY; and several beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a period of visitation at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford, CT, on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 9am-11am, dress casual and colorful. A time of reflection and sharing of remembrances will begin at 10:30am. Further arrangements, including a private burial with military honors at Grove Hill Cemetery in Rockville, next to his wife Deborah, will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to UConn’s Master Gardener program at https://mastergardener.uconn.edu. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.desopoeh.com