Fritz Chin Obituary
Fritz was born in Canton, China in 1932 to Harry and Dorothea Chin, and immigrated to the United States as a teenager. Fritz served in the United States Air Force as a ground support mechanic following the Korean War. That is where he met his wife, Liza, in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. Upon returning home, Fritz worked as a mechanic at Sharpe Army Depot and was passionate about his hobby of photography. While raising their family and working out of their home, Fritz and Liza started photographing weddings and established Fritz Chin Photography. Together, they photographed thousands of weddings, families, children, special events and graduation portraits until their retirement in the early 2000s.
Fritz attended the Stockton Chinese Community Church, was an avid lover of dogs, and enjoyed ballroom dancing and travelling with Liza. He was also an enthusiast of classic cars, woodworking, and Chinese martial arts.
Fritz will always be remembered for his smile, jovial personality, talent for connecting with people and his strong work ethic. From his humble beginnings to creating a lasting legacy within the local community, we will miss him every day. Fritz's memory will live on with everyone who he ever met or was photographed by him.
Fritz is preceded in death by his parents, his brother David Chin, sister Ellen Sabato, grandchildren Matthew Lefkowitz, and Annica Chin. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Liza Chin, his children Ansel (Jian) Chin, Marjorie (Wayne) Lefkowitz, Arnold (Erica) Chin, his grandchildren Daniel Chin, Jessica Chin, Michael Lefkowitz, Ezri Chin, and his siblings Margo Mah, and Bo Hung Ma.
There will be a celebration of life for friends and family on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at the Stockton Elks Lodge #218, 8900 Thornton Road. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of San Joaquin or to O'Connor Woods in Stockton.
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5 Entries
David Estrada
July 15, 2025
Fritz Chin grew up with my father Tavy at Edison High school. The Chin Family have a great legacy in the Community of Stockton. My father had great times growing up together with Fritz in their many years. My father shared with me his many adventures with Fritz.
People may not know but Fritz was a great mechanic as well as a renowned photographer with his life partner Liza.
I cherish the great times growing up with Fritz and Liza present in our many family gatherings. They are great examples of our community who shared their many talents and loving and care for others.
My sincere condolences to the Liza, children and spouses, grandchildren and Chin Family,
David Estrada
Florence Drury
July 12, 2025
A well-known Stockton photographer for many years!
Tim Ulmer
July 9, 2025
God Bless and may he look after the family in this time of Reflection. At age 16, I spent my holiday printing for Fritz his BW senior wallet Portraits think my side Job was to baby sit the full of energy Arnold in the basement , I played all the great Rock bands on the radio corrupting the poor little guy then... great memory and many other lasting interaction memories as this Icon of the photography landscape visited us often at Meadows Camera, Nice thing he always had a smile and words of advice. Failed to mention the white knuckle drives in his Porsche with him a few times....
Eric Holl and Gina Rothermel
July 6, 2025
Fritz was a kind and caring person. He and Liza were regular members of our parents weekly Bible study and long time friends. We would like to send our deepest condolences to Liza. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
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Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home
June 26, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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14165 Beckman Road P.O. Box 1000, Lodi, CA 95240
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