Robert J. Fritch

Robert J. Fritch of West Scranton died Friday evening in the VNA Hospice Inpatient Unit at Geisinger Community Medical Center. He and his wife, the former Mary Ellen Jopchak, celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary April 20.

Born in Scranton, son of the late George and Stella Kozlowsky Fritch, he was educated in Scranton schools and was a graduate of West Scranton High School and Johnson School of Technology. He was a four-year veteran of the Air Force. Before retirement, he was employed as an adjuster and then superintendent of field operations with Grindel Elevators of Taylor. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church, West Scranton.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. He enjoyed working in his beautiful flower garden and spending time with his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Bob's family would like to express its sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff of the VNA Hospice of Geisinger CMC for their compassionate care.

Also surviving are one son, Rob and wife, Nancy, Philadelphia; one daughter, Milissa Havard and husband, Richard, Carey, Ill.; five grandchildren; and one brother, Richard Fritch, Scranton; several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Tuesday at the Carl J. Savino Jr. Funeral Home, 157 S. Main Ave., Scranton, with a blessing service in the funeral home at 8:30 p.m. Friends may call Tuesday from 6 until service time. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VNA Hospice and Home Health in Lackawanna County, 301 Delaware Ave., Olyphant, PA 18447.