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.
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John Fredriksson
July 27, 2025
Fritz & Liza were Inseparable to the very end. Each day they´d share a meal together at O´Connor Woods. Fritz was very social, and loved greeting familiar faces and engaging in conversation. He is truly missed!
Joanie & Tim Schwartz
July 26, 2025
Mr. & Mrs. took so many portraits for kids in Stockton! They always took our neighborhood swim team each summer, our family's portrait, & our kids' senior portraits. Very nice people! Will miss seeing Mr. Chin at OCW. My sympathy to Mrs. Chin & all their family.
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!
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
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.
Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home
June 26, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
14165 Beckman Road P.O. Box 1000, Lodi, CA 95240
Make a Donation
in Fritz Chin's name
How to support Fritz's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Fritz Chin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
