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DeJohn Funeral Home & Celebrations Center

12811 Chillicothe Road

Chesterland, Ohio

Daniel Fritz Obituary

age 55, beloved husband for 30 years of Colleen (nee Perko); loving father of Jarrod, Jakob, and Hadlie; cherished son of Gail (nee Gorney) and the late Frederick (retired Fire Chief of Orange Village); dearest brother of Traci Gambino (husband Joe), Ryan (wife Jessi), and the late David (wife Marina); devoted son-in-law of Karen and the late Charles Perko and brother-in-law of Wendy (husband Mark) Demetrios; dearest nephew, uncle, great-uncle of many and friend to everyone. Dan died suddenly March 16, 2023; Dan was the current Mayor of Moreland Hills, Assistant Fire Chief for Orange Village and a Fire Captain for the City of Bedford Heights. In lieu of flowers, contributions suggested in memory of Dan to IAFF Center of Excellence or LifeAct. Celebration of Life Service Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 2 PM at the FUNERAL HOME (live-stream via the funeral home website). Informal gathering to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Dan SATURDAY 12 Noon - 2 PM at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND, 12811 CHILLICOTHE RD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.). Online obituary, guestbook, and live-stream at

www.DeJohnCares.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Cleveland.com from Mar. 21 to Mar. 22, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Fritz

Sponsored by The Family.

Not sure what to say?





Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Kris Etzel

Planted Trees

David & Valerie Cooper

March 25, 2023

Deepest sympathy to Dan’s family for his loss. We remember him fondly as an upstanding character in service to others. He will be missed.
~David & Valerie Cooper

Elaine & Rich Cibik

March 25, 2023

Dear Gail
Rich and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.

Matt Vandemotter

March 24, 2023

The stories I have with Dan front and center are endless. We sure lost one of the worlds great guys. My heart is broken and I can only hope that all these wonderful memories will be the comfort we all need to endure the world without Danny.

Steve Richman

March 24, 2023

"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." - Albert Einstein.

I first met Dan on the campaign trail, 20 years ago, running for Moreland Hills Council. At first, he was a rival of sorts- with 4 candidates running for 3 slots. But, he was the nicest rival I ever met. We both made it, and Dan quickly went from rival, to friend; and from Council colleague (for 12 years), to my Mayor.

In all the time I have known him, Dan lived the motto above. He truly lived his life for others. He always cared for his community, his family, his colleagues and his friends first, and himself last. I think he had a unique "give and take" relationship with the world. It is unique because the only thing he "took" was the pride and enjoyment from giving to everyone he lived with, worked with and met.

What he gave was his time, his energy, his compassion, his civility, his keen intellect, his wit, his charm, an unparalleled work ethic and a commitment to making a difference. He gave so much of himself to the Village of Moreland Hills, and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Dan on so many worthwhile Village projects/initiatives.

And in his "spare time," he "just" risked his life as a firefighter for the Orange and Bedford communities he served.

I think if Dan could speak from above, he would say, take the time you need to grieve, but then, just give; to your families, to your communities and to the world at large.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Fritz family, and everyone who knew him.

Steve Richman

Connie Stephens

March 24, 2023

One of the nicest people I have met in the past. True hero in so many ways. Many hugs and love sent to Dan´s family and all that knew him.

Connie and Mike Shiever

March 24, 2023

Our deepest condolences
Connie and Mike Shiever

Gina King

March 24, 2023

Your kind words meant alot to me.
GOD Bless your Soul. You will be missed.

Heather Corlett

March 22, 2023

Heather Corlett

March 22, 2023

Heather Corlett

March 22, 2023

Heather Corlett

March 22, 2023

Dear Colleen, Jarrod, Jake, Hadlie, Traci, Mrs. Fritz...

I was devastated to learn about Danny. He was one of my favorite people on earth, and a source of strength for me whenever I needed it. I am truly heart broken.

I know there are no words that can ease your pain right now. Please know that you have my deepest sympathy and unwavering support. My heart goes out to you, and I am sending you strength and love from Denver.

With love,
Heather and Ryan

anonymous

March 22, 2023

You are in our hearts. so painfully sorry for your loss.

Mike & Patty (Harting) Vanek

March 22, 2023

Traci & Family,
Please know that we are truly sorry to hear about your brother and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you and his vast circle of friends mourn his loss.

Pat Stahl, Bedford Heights

March 22, 2023

My deepest sympathy to Dan's family and friends. May God bless and comfort you.

Tracy Wood

March 22, 2023

Dan´s kindness and love touched the lives of so many. I will always remember the light he brought into this world. May his beautiful soul rest in eternal peace and light. My condolences to the Fritz family.

anonymous

March 22, 2023

Thank you for your brave service to the fire service. God bless you !

Erin Dweik

March 22, 2023

Sincere condolences to Colleen, Jarrod, Jakob, Hadlie, Gail and entire family. Heartfelt sympathy to our Village of Moreland Hills Community. Healing love to all. The Dweiks

Susan Garcia

March 21, 2023

Completely honored to call Dan my friend. Nothing but love for him. Don't forget to shut the beads!

Debbie Garcia

March 21, 2023

Dan was such a decent human being - thoughtful, well spoken, intelligent, social, kind, caring, positive. What a pleasure it was to have known him. May he live on through his beautiful wife and children. Safe passage, Dan. Thank you for having made this world a better place.
-Debbie Garcia

Bill Phelan

March 21, 2023

Great man a joy to be around. I worked with Dan many years ago he was a dedicated firefighter-paramedic that always wanted to help people. Dan will be missed by all who knew him. My sincere condolences to Dan's family I am so sorry for your loss.

Nancy Catalano

March 21, 2023

Dear Gail (and to all the family), My husband Frank and I send our deepest condolences. Words cannot express what's in our hearts and what we would wish you to know. May God's light fill the darkness and give you peace. Always your friend..........Nancy

Coya White

March 21, 2023

My Condolences to his family and friends. I just saw this on 19 action news.... My heart is saddened by this. Thank you for your service. God bless your spirit.... fly high

John Manning

March 21, 2023

Dan was a beautiful human and a man I was proud to have as my friend. I will miss him dearly.
My love and thoughts are with Colleen and the kids.
-John Manning

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

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Memorial Events
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Mar

25

Memorial Gathering

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

DeJohn Funeral Home & Celebrations Center

12811 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, OH 44026

Mar

25

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m.

DeJohn Funeral Home & Celebrations Center

12811 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, OH 44026

Funeral services provided by:

DeJohn Funeral Home & Celebrations Center

12811 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, OH 44026

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