Dr. David A. Fitz

1931 - 2024

Dr. David Alphonse Fitz died peacefully in his home with his wife, Mary Fitz at his side. He was 92 years old. A long time resident of San Diego, California, they moved to Eugene, Oregon in 2019 to be closer to their children.David was born in Sandusky, Ohio to Dorothea and Alphonse Fitz on November 29, 1931. His father died when he was seven. He was the younger of two sons. His brother, Richard Fitz predeceased him. He grew up in Sandusky, but left to attend Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio from 1949-1953. He was an active member of the student government, serving as a member of the student council from 1950-53 and president from 52-53. He was also a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science. David attended medical school at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. He received his medical degree in 1957 with honors from Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honorary Society. There he met his wife, Mary, who also attended Ohio State. Dave enlisted in the army his senior year of medical school. He was stationed in Hawaii and soon sent for his fiancee. Mary and David were married in 1957 at Ft. Shafter Chapel in Honolulu. They started their family while Dave completed his medical internship at Tripler US Army Hospital. He served as Battle Group Surgeon at Schofield Barracks, 21st Division; later, he returned to Tripler Hospital where he served until 1960. He was transferred to Washington DC where he worked at the US Army Dispensary in the Pentagon.After completing his military service, Dave attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI for his residency in Orthopedic Surgery. Upon completion, the family moved to San Diego, California where Dr. Fitz practiced Orthopedics with privileges at Donald N. Sharp Memorial Hospital, Children's Hospital, and Mercy Hospital & Health Center for 40 years.David was active in San Diego's medical professional community throughout his career serving on several committees at Sharp Memorial Hospital including the Executive Medical Board from 1979-80 and 1983-86, Chief of Orthopedics from 1981-83, and the Orthopedic Supervisory Committee from 1977-1994. Additionally, he served with the Doctor's Service Bureau from 1973-78 acting as president in 1976 and 1977. David enjoyed competitive sports and it was reflected in his practice. He served as an orthopedic consultant for the San Diego Gulls Hockey Club and the San Diego Mariners from 1967-1974. From 1979 to 1986 he served as the team physician for San Diego High School.After his retirement, Dave and Mary enjoyed traveling and learning about the history and culture of people around the world. He took up gardening and enjoyed tending his small orchard on property he'd purchased outside Julian, CA. His apple cider pressing parties will be remembered by many of his friends and neighbors. David avidly supported the San Diego Padres even after he left San Diego for the Pacific Northwest. He was also a staunch benefactor of two San Diego institutionsThe Old Globe Theater and the San Diego Zoo. David is survived by his wife Mary Jane Fitz, his five children, Sinde Fitz (Mike), Eileen Fitz-Faulkner (Kyle), Stephen Fitz (Teresa), Tom Fitz (Junko) and Kristen Taylor (Andy), and ten grandchildren.Services for David Fitz will be held on Monday, March 25th at the First United Methodist Church of San Diego, 2111 Camino del Rio South, San Diego, CA at 12:00 PM with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent in memory of David A. Fitz to the First United Methodist Church of San Diego, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance at sdwza.org/memorial or mailed to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, PO Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112. Contributions may also be made to the Old Globe Theater; please mail gifts to The Old Globe, PO Box 12217, San Diego, CA 92112-2171.