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William Fritscher
William Fritscher
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William Fritscher Obituary
Born in Germany in 1939, son of the late Anna and Friedrich Fritscher, Willi completed his apprenticeship and earned a degree as a Master Craftsman of String Instruments. He moved to the U.S. at the age of 21 with $20 in his pocket and a guitar over his shoulder. On arrival, he pursued his career in Philadelphia working for the Philadelphia Music Company. He met his wife Jeanette at the Canstatter German Club and they married in 1963. He then worked for Kappa Guitar Company in Maryland before accepting a position as plant manager at Guild Music in Westerly in 1971. He held this position until his retirement. He took great pride in growing the company and considered his employees family. He was well known in the music industry as an expert at his craft and made custom guitars for famous musicians over the years.
Since retirement, William loved riding his motorcycle, traveling and he enjoyed time at home with his family and friends. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he was instrumental in shaping who they are today. He was also well known for his festive 4th of July bash every year.
A Funeral Liturgy will be held at St. Mary's Church, 95 Main St., Stonington, on Friday, at 10 a.m. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123-1718, in William's memory. Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly, is in charge of the arrangements. The family invites you to leave an online condolence at www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lavoie Richard
July 3, 2025
Willy still think of you often, especially when I go by the plant bring back memories rest in peace, my friend
Lavoie Richard
July 3, 2024
Willy you were a great mentor and friend, I remember that times we spent together at Guild guitar ,rest in peace my friend
Richard Lavoie
Erna Pichl
July 3, 2024
Zur Erinnerung zum 10.Todestag von meinem geliebten Bruder Willi.
Im Juli hast Du unser Vater und Horst den Todestag. Man spürt wie sehr
wir Euch noch vermissen.
Deine Schwester Erna mit Familie
Erna Pichl
July 5, 2019
Zur Erinnerung zum 5. Todestag von Willi. Wir werden immer an ihn denken und in guter Erinnerung behalten.
Er fehlt mir sehr, auch unsere Telefongespräche. In ein paar Tagen ist der Todestag von Vater und Horst. Da wird einem immer schwer um s Herz.
Erna Pichl
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Erna Pichl
July 23, 2014
Liebe Jeanette mit Familie!
Ich möchte Euch auch im Namen aller Verwandten unser aufrichtiges Beileid aussprechen. Ich wünsche Euch viel Kraft und Zuversicht für die nächsten Jahre. Es ist schwer einen lieben Menschen zu verlieren, der so viele Jahre an Eurer Seite war. Ich bin so froh darüber, dass ich noch bei ihm sein durfte, noch schwerer war es ihn leiden zu sehen und nicht helfen zu können. Ich werde meinen lieben Bruder nie vergessen und ihn in guter Erinnerung behalten und in meinen Gebeten einschließen. Meine Gedanken sind bei Euch.
Martha Fritscher
July 18, 2014
Liebe Jeanette, es tut uns allen sehr leid. Unsere Gedanken sind bei Euch, Willi bleibt in unseren Herzen. Tante Martha mit Manuela, Martina und Gudrun
Nancy Picard
July 16, 2014
Jeanette and family,
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. William's vibrant and wonderful personality will live on through all of you. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of his care.
With deepest sympathy and regards!
The Staff at Spectrum Physical Therapy
Richard Lavoie
July 13, 2014
My sincere condolences go out to the Fritscher Family. I worked with Willie for eight years at Guild Music and learned so much about wood and building of guitars, he was a master of his trade and it was a great teacher to me. My thoughts and prayers to all of you at this difficult time.
Richard Lavoie
July 13, 2014
My sincere condolences go out to the Fritscher Family. I worked with Willie for eight years at Guild Music and learned so much about wood and building of guitars, he was a master of his trade and it was a great teacher to me. My thoughts and prayers to all of you at this difficult time.
Michelle Roderick-Wilbur
July 10, 2014
Jeanette Linda Sue & Karl - So sorry to hear of Mr. Fritscher's passing. He was a very sweet man. My thoughts and prayers to all of you at this difficult time.
Chris Bousquet
July 10, 2014
My deepest sympathies to all of Willie's family and friends. I didn't know him personally, I only knew him from the beautiful instruments he helped make (two of which I own). Across the world his legacy will live on in every note played on one of those Guild guitars. I'll be sure to take mine out today and play in his honor. He song will never end.
Kevin Beverly
July 9, 2014
Sue-Sorry to hear about your dad. you and your family will be in my thoughts.
Chris Bemis
July 9, 2014
Susan,
So sorry to just now see this announcement. Thinking of you and your family. I know that your dad will be greatly missed.
Love,
Chris
July 9, 2014
Susan,Tom,Kelsie,Kyle, Connor, and extended family, please feel some comfort in knowing you are in our thoughts and prayers.We are so sorry for your loss and are here for you. Take care. Julie,Rob,Austin,and Aubri
Rick Nelson
July 9, 2014
My most sincere condolences go out to Willi's family. Having known him for almost 30 years, I found him to be a loyal friend, a man who was very proud of his family and proud of his many contributions to the music industry. May he rest in peace.
JoAnn Trudelle
July 9, 2014
Sue, I am so sorry for your loss and just remember to keep all of your memories alive and I am so happy I was able to have met your awesome dad. Thinking of YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Susan Narotsky
July 9, 2014
My heart is so saddened by the loss of Papa Fritscher. He has been in my life for as long as I can remember and he will be missed. My love goes out to my extended Fritscher family; Grammie, Susie, Karl, Linda and all my kiddos. I love you all so much! You are all in my thoughts and prayers and our lives will never be the same without both of our amazing papas. Love, Susie and Seth
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