Frederick Austin "Fritz" Stawitcke

Frederick Austin Stawitcke 'Fritz'

Resident of Sunnyvale

May 24th, 1949 - December 3rd, 2010

Three weeks ago Fritz threw an incredible celebration for Andrea's birthday, and spoke so sweetly of their lives together, and their beautiful family. And then suddenly, our dear Fritz was gone. On Dec. 3, at 2:22pm, he passed away.

Fritz was born in East Chicago, Indiana, the elder of two sons born to Frederick and Inabelle Stawitcke. After high school, Fritz attended MIT in Boston, graduating in 1975. Fritz and Andrea married in 1980 in Pacific Grove, moved to Sunnyvale, and welcomed their first daughter, Meghan, in 1982, and their second daughter, Darian, in 1984. Fritz' PhD from Stanford in Mechanical Engineering was conferred January of 1984.

Fritz' career was focused in bio-mechanical research and development. His technical contributions ranged from development of "smart" respirator and infusion pump designs to non-invasive cardiac blood flow measurement technology, as well as analyses of a MEMS fluidic-optical telecom switch. He also led the development of a novel optical gas sensor from concept through prototype manufacturing process. Fritz has been granted 11 patents throughout his career.

Fritz was involved in various community and volunteer activities throughout his life. His most recent passions involved promoting bicycling, and the development of trails and bikeways. Fritz joined the Friends of Stevens Creek Trail board in June of 2009 and had just been elected Vice President.

More than anything else, Fritz was an incredibly caring man who became so many people's best friend throughout his life. Fritz never lost a friendship; he maintained lifelong relationships with the dozens of family and friends who shared different stages of his life. Fritz and Andrea repeated their vows in a marriage celebration in 1991 and the strength and love of their relationship is apparent.

Fritz brought his wit, charm, and seemingly boundless energy to every activity he engaged in, and was so much fun to be around. He always had an anecdote or story to share. His presence was so positive and strong that it is still hard to believe he is gone. We will miss him deeply, think of him often and love him always.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service for Fritz on Saturday, December 11, 2:00 pm, at the Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary, 96 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View, and a reception immediately following at the family home. Please see memorial site for details: http://memorial.yourtribute.com/fritzstawitcke/events.aspx

To honor his memory the family suggests donations to the Friends of Stevens Creek Trail and The California Transplant Donor Network.