Rudolph J. Fritz

Rudolph J. Fritz
of Binghamton
Rudolph J. Fritz, 89, passed away peacefully Friday, October 17, 2008, at NYS Veterans' Home in Oxford, where he was kindly cared for since September 2007. Rudy was born on September 3, 1919 in Binghamton, the son of the late Louise Lavko and John Fritz. On February 5, 1946, he married Romana Bortolon in Bolzano, Italy. He was a member of the US Army stationed in Italy during WWII. Rudy is survived by his wife of 62 years, Romana. Besides his wife, he is survived by his son, Ronald Fritz; his daughter, Sheila Charnetsky and her husband, Harry T. Charnetsky, and Tibby. Rudy is also survived by his sister, Theresa Gaska; nephews, Robert and Dick Fritz, Donald, Larry, Jeff, David and Chris Clow; nieces, Diane Hoag, Barbara Schwartz, and Kathleen Fritz. He was predeceased by his daughters, Gloria Ebersole and Valerie Fritz; sisters, Mary Hoag and Rose Clow; brothers, John and Anthony Fritz; and uncle, Paul Fritz. Rudy graduated from Binghamton Central in 1937. After high school, he worked as an auto mechanic in his brother, John's garage. After WWII, he worked as a mechanic for the City of Binghamton. Rudy, Romana and daughters, Gloria and Valerie traveled to Chicago, Ill., where he graduated from the DeVry Institute. Returning to the Triple Cities, he worked for a short time at Links. Then he joined IBM Glendale, where he was an Advisory Engineer, a member of the Quarter Century Club, retiring in 1981. Rudy was a strong willed, very intelligent and multi-talented fellow who will be sadly missed by his family. As a young boy during the 1930's, he built a kayak that he peddled around the neighborhood when his family's home in the First Ward was flooded. Few people understand the electrical engineering and analog programming required by Rudy when he worked at IBM. Besides maintaining and fixing his autos and everything else around his home, Rudy would be found pouring concrete and building stonewalls. He also enjoyed ice skating, skiing, playing baseball, swimming, dancing, and listening to music. Most of all, Rudy did all he could, for as long as he could, to provide for his family, never complaining about his responsibilities. We pray that God will look out for his soul and spirit, and may his parents and daughters, Gloria and Valerie welcome him in heaven with open arms.
A Funeral Mass will be offered by Rev. Daniel Caruso at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2008, at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 282 Chenango Street, Binghamton. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City, with Military Honors. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Chopyak-Scheider Funeral Home.