Robert John Fritz

"Bob" was born in 1931 to Anna (Covert) and John P. Fritz. Sadly, Bob's mother died shortly after his birth. In time, his father remarried to Anna (Bamert) Fritz, and Bob was raised, along with his sister, in a loving family in Dover, NJ. His childhood was largely spent outdoors, playing football, fishing, exploring, and enjoying many adventures with his dog, Pal.

After graduating from Dover High School in 1949, he attended Newark College of Engineering and joined the Air Force ROTC program. He received his degree in 1953 in Mechanical Engineering and was sent to Air Force military training in Denver, CO. He was then assigned to the 4925th Atomic Test Group in New Mexico. Bob loved his time out west. He spent as many hours as possible outdoors and in the mountains, and he took advantage of every opportunity for adventure including rock climbing, hiking, martial arts and even starting a mountain rescue team. He was a natural leader who earned the respect of his fellow airmen. Bob remained in the Air Force Reserves for several years after completing active duty. He would also later receive his Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.

Bob met Maureen, the love of his life, in Lake Hopatcong, NJ, and they were married in 1957. After a few moves, including a stint in NC, they settled down in Pottersville, NJ and raised their family. Bob was an active member of the local community, serving in the Pottersville Volunteer Fire Company for 50+ years, dedicating countless hours on various school and planning boards, faithfully attending St. Brigid Church in Peapack, and much more. He also became a Certified Flight Instructor. He taught many people how to fly and was always happy to take friends and family members for a ride. Flying was one of his favorite pastimes.

Bob's successful management career included work at Singer, Aircraft Radio Corporation, Sperry, and as VP of Operations for Lockheed Martin. His work brought him to manufacturing plants all around the world. His years working at ARC in Boonton were especially fun for him. It was there that he earned his Private Pilot license and began many happy years of flying his Cessna 172. (It was also there that he met the famous Jimmy Doolittle.) Bob had unlimited energy and continued working into his late 80s as a quality management consultant.

As a problem solver and a protector, Bob was at his best when someone needed help. It was in his nature to be on the move and to get things done, and he didn't hesitate to take action in an emergency. He was always ready and willing to provide aid, to fix what was broken, and to face issues head-on.

In 2018, Bob and Maureen moved to Lake Mohawk to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Faith and family were the most important things in their lives. Lovingly called "Bob Bob" by his 18 grandchildren, he was fiercely devoted to his family and was a tremendous source of strength, knowledge, protection and good-natured fun. He was also quick with a wisecrack and always had a twinkle in his eye.

Bob Bob, may you rest in the Peace of Christ with Moe Moe by your side. We miss you and love you forever.

In addition to his wife of 66 years and his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his son-in-law George Reekie, his brother-in-law Francis Riddle, and many other beloved relatives. He is survived by his five children, Dr. John (Jennifer) Fritz, Keelin Reekie, Catherine (James) Englehardt, Keavy (Michael) Gaines, Maura (Jay) Gaffney, his 18 grandchildren, Patrick, Matthew, Benen, Mairin, McKaela, Shealyn, William, Molly, Owen, Catherine, Alicia, Michael, Grady, Maureen, Joseph, Daniel, John and Liam, his sister Carol Riddle, his sister-in-law Sheila Collins, his brother-in-law Ronald (Klari) Collins, his sister-in-law Kelly Collins, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and loving family members and friends.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted under Goble Funeral Home 22 Main St., Sparta, NJ 07871. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 AM on Friday, August 23rd at St. Kateri Church, 427 Stanhope Rd, Sparta, NJ 07871 with entombment to follow at St Joseph Cemetery, 138-152 Route 206, Newton, NJ 07860