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George L. "Buster" FITZ

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George FITZ Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from May 1 to May 3, 2013.

FITZ, George L. "Buster"

George L. "Buster" Fitz, born in Waynesboro, PA on October 26, 1942, died suddenly April 25, 2013 of a heart condition. After moving to Riviera Beach in 1949 with his parents, Dorothy and Roscoe Fitz and sister, Sallie, the family owned and operated Busters Florist and Nursery at the Farmers Market in West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach from the late 1950's until the late 1980's. In his later years Buster has been working at the Sailfish Marina on Palm Beach Shores. He has been known around town as Sammy the Sailfish also the Palm Beach Shores Fire Department Santa, lighting of the Palm Beach Shores Christmas Tree and handing out candy and dog bones on Christmas day. In his younger years Buster was known around Riviera Beach and Lake Park as the fairest umpire in Little League baseball there was. Buster was also a volunteer firefighter. Originally with the Palm Beach Gardens volunteer fire department and recently with the Palm Beach Shores Fire Department. Buster is survived by his son, Joseph (Jennifer) Fitz; granddaughter, Tabitha Rose; his sister, Sallie (Wayne) Sahlbach; niece, Debi Martinez and son, John Martinez; nephew, Wayne Sahlbach, Jr. and son, Tyler Sahlbach, also his best friend, Laurie. Buster was loved and did love many. He will be missed. The family will be receiving friends Thursday, May 2, 2013 (TODAY) from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a Funeral Service beginning at 7:00 PM at Howard-Price Funeral Home.

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May 9, 2013

Someone posted to the memorial.

May 6, 2013

mark shirey posted to the memorial.

May 6, 2013

Someone posted to the memorial.

36 Entries

May 9, 2013

Sally, I remember well & most are around the flower shop at Broadway & 17th , next to Riviera Lanes. Man, those WERE the good ole days. My condolences on your loss of a really special guy! He did enjoy the ride!
Orville FitzGerald

mark shirey

May 6, 2013

very sad to hear of busters passing.he umpired many of my little league games when i was 11 and 12 years old. for a man to remain in my memory for all of those years is a testimony of his true character. condolences to the family.

May 6, 2013

Buster, you always were upbeat. You are part of my fond memories of Sailfish Marina Rees Flannery

May 6, 2013

RIP Buster..
Doreen Moree

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Mike Hyland

May 6, 2013

Buster your work here is finished , you did good , RIP.

May 5, 2013

My deep and sincere condolances to Sallie and family. May you know the comfort that only Jesus can bring to you, at this time. Love, Carolyn

Laurie Rawdon

May 5, 2013

BUSTER
He taught me so many things...
right there for everyone if they took the time to see.
He made me want to be a better person...
To strive to be as genuine and kind as he.
To see what joy there still is in this world no matter what you're going through.
He was always there, with a smile, a kind word, a helping hand...
Whatever he could do.
A proud fireman...Santa...The Ice Man or Sammy the Sailfish...
no matter what hat he wore.
It was his pleasure, never a chore.
A soul as good as his will never end.
And I for one am honored to call him my true friend.

Jon & Kay Dipert

May 4, 2013

Thank God for sharing Buster with us. He was always willing and able to do anything we ask of him at Sailfish Marina. He was always happy and shared his joy with all. We will miss you in this life and look forward to seeing you in heaven.

Sister. Sallie fitz Sahlbach

May 3, 2013

Buster was my brother and playmate thru life. Now I know how much he was love
and did love thru his life. He had more friends than I knew about and thank you God for his warm heart. Thank you all for being at his celebration of love last night.

Randy Yates

May 2, 2013

I think Buster enjoyed seeing my dog more than me! He always put a smile on my face, as he was always smiling himself. He will be missed.

Robin

May 2, 2013

He will be missed by all that know him.

Charlie Hoeffer

May 2, 2013

Buster was a fine person. He would stop by the PBSPD for coffee and a chat. You will be missed Buster.

kathy ammendolia

May 1, 2013

i worked on the docks at sailfish when tom price told me buster was going to be working with us... he made me laugh, if all of us could be as kind, loving , helping and honest as buster, this world would be a better place, i made a pillowcase for buster, sammy the sailfish, buster claus, ice ice baby, bustin a move buster, he liked flirting with the women, lol, i even drew him hanging out of the dumpster that used to be down by pumphouse, what a great guy, im glad he crossed my path i will be glad to see him again, rest in peace buster, love you

Stephanie Borello

May 1, 2013

I started working at Sailfish Marina when I was 17 years old and Buster and I became instant friends. The words that would fly out of his mouth always made my morning. I will miss him harassing Megan and I in the mornings and sitting with him at the Sailfish Christmas parties. I take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace. I had to put my dog down four days after his passing, and I know that Buster was waiting to give him treats! This is not goodbye, it is simply 'see you later.'

Sallie,
My prayers are with you and your family.

Virginia Lynn

May 1, 2013

I loved Buster. He was a special man, did so much for us in Palm Beach Shores. He had a great sense of humor, when I was walking my dog Pepper, he would "meow" like a cat : )

Jean Watson

May 1, 2013

Sallie and Wayne, May wonderful memories of your brother help you tomorrow and all the other "tomorrows" to come. Our thoughts and prayers.

jean watson

May 1, 2013

Sallie and Wayne, May your wonderful memories and special times with your brother carry you through tomorrow and all of the rest of "tomorrows". You're in our thoughts and prayers.

Donna Daly Castaldi

May 1, 2013

Such a kind loving soul. Loved life and everyone he met. Remembered him working for my brother Frank at State No Fault. RIP Buster - you will be missed.

Shauna Frink

May 1, 2013

Buster, iceman, no words can express your kindness and compassion...you will be truly missed by so many..I am thankful for all the happiness you brought to my daughter and myself. RIP!!

Cori Mansour

May 1, 2013

Buster was a beloved member of the Sailfish Marina family of employees. We take comfort in the knowledge that Buster is truly in paradise now.

His routine would bring him to my office door where he would remind me of the calendar of events, holiday happenings, birthdays & news events. We would talk for a few minutes and he would be on his way. I will miss our conversations and his singing in the hallways.

May he rest in peace. We will remember him fondly.

JANE ARMSTRONG

May 1, 2013

"BUSTER WAS A GENTLE SOUL WHO MADE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE JUST BY BEING IN IT.
HE WILL BE MISSED

Gladys Williams

April 30, 2013

Sorry to hear about Buster. My condolence to the family. Surely he will be missed. Sallie he is in a better place,happy and doing well.

Mark mahathey

April 30, 2013

I remember Buster, Thats really the only name I ever called him. Anyway I remember buster as an umpire in T Ball and Little League. He was always very
nice to us kids. I remember one time after a game he bought Ice Cream for
everyone. In fact as I recall he was always very generous to us. I am sure that
everyone that grew up in Riviera Beach and Singer Island is very sad about hearing the news of his passing. I am sure however that he has moved on to
a much better place.

Karen Sams

April 30, 2013

RIP BUSTER. You are now at peace & will be missed by many family members and friends.

Lynn Bergmann

April 30, 2013

Sallie and Wayne, My thoughts and prayers go to you today and the following days ahead. I know it was hard on you with the reunion this past weekend. If I can do anything let me know.

Vicki Howard

April 30, 2013

He is enveloped in Gods embrace and is now at peace free of all pain! Thank you God for your strength and love. Rip Buster.

Harry Schlupe

April 30, 2013

Buster was one of those guys who had alot of experience and knowledge and love to share it with everyone he came in contact with. He devoted his life to the Fire Service and was a hidden asset for all. You will be truly missed my friend.

Tom Bannister

April 30, 2013

Buster was a legend. He was such a huge part of the Sailfish Marina experience, and the Palm Beach Shores FD. My dog Lucy and I will always cherish our memories of this special man.

Miriam Gould

April 30, 2013

Buster was one of a kind. At work he called us girls upstairs sisters. We were all part of his family. Whenever I visited Sailfish I was always happy to see Buster was still working there. It will be strange to visit next time and not see him around. Rest In peace Buster.

Harrison

April 29, 2013

Not one like him. He was special to us all and will never be forgotten.See you on the other side brother.Rip.

Ladies Auxiliary of PBSVFD with the Firemen, December 2012

Kim and Diesel Shields

April 29, 2013

My dog loved seeing his beat-up truck around town, because he knew he was gonna get treats. Diesel (my dog), and myself also had the honor of walking (rolling, in my case) in the PBS St. Patrick's Day Parade with Buster. I will miss his humor and seeing him around town. He was a great man who will be missed by many, but remembered by all. His name will, no doubt, go down in this town's history. Buster, I'm gonna miss you. The Christmas party, hosted by Ladies Auxiliary, will miss having you there to make sure there are few leftovers. Always a pleasure. I am honored to have known you! Rest in Peace.

John Redding

April 29, 2013

Buster a icon of the area he will be missed RIP good buddy

John and Debbi Roelandts

April 29, 2013

Buster was one of the kindest and sweetest man we have ever met. We remember him so fondly during our time in Riviera Beach and when he had the florist shop with his mom. He will be missed.
Sincerely
John and Debbi Daly Roelandts
former RBPD
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Dave Sullivan

April 29, 2013

"Buster" Fitz was the first person to welcome me when I first wondered into the Palm Beach Shores Fire Station in 2007 and asked if there was anything I could do to help. For Buster, there was always room for someone new ... and always something more to do.

I have been a volunteer all my life, in many organizations, in places from Massachusetts to Virginia to Florida; and I have met hundreds of superb volunteers ... but none have exhibited the caring and dedication shown by Buster over the six years I was privileged to know him.

He will be greatly missed.