Resident of San Jose
Sept. 27, 1928-Apr 25, 2011 Born in San Jose, CA, he passed away peacefully at his retirement home in Willow Glen after a brief battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary and beloved sister, Juliet. Fritz is survived by his niece and nephews Robert, Nancy, and Tom Rasmussen; nieces-in-law Amy Armock and Sara Rasmussen; great nieces and nephews Bekah, Melanie, Jared, Isabella, Jax, Jace, James Fritz, and many other family and friends.
Known as "Little Al Andrade" or "San Jose's smallest golfer" in the late 1940s, Fritz was the son of the former Hillview Golf Course grounds superintendent where he spent his time helping his father and mastering the game of golf. At the age of 16, Fritz quickly became known around San Jose and the amateur golf circuit as a golf prodigy with natural timing, amazing distance, and consistent accuracy. Among other many notable wins, he reigned as the San Jose News Junior Golf Champion in 1947, became San Jose's only winner in the State Amateur Golf Tournament at Pebble Beach, and captured the Hillview Club Championship in 1949 and 1954.
After returning from duty in the Korean War, Fritz embarked on his career as a sheet metal worker (Local 104) and retired in 1994 after working almost 20 years with O.C. McDonald. He continued to play and win local golf tournaments throughout his life. His generosity and selflessness will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Friends and family are invited to attend the Vigil on Thursday, April 28, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel, 710 Willow St., San Jose, CA and a funeral service on Friday, April 29, at 9:30 AM, St. Christopher's Church, 1576 Curtner Ave., San Jose, CA. Burial to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 2650 Madden Ave., San Jose, CA.
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