Frank P. Fritz

Frank P. Fritz, a World War II veteran, passed away on February 2, 2026, at the age of 98. He was born on December 18, 1927, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Ukrainian immigrants Theodore (Frank) and Paraskevia (Margaret) Fritz.

Frank was one of nine children and the twin brother of Nicholas. They were the sixth and seventh children in the family. It was always believed that Frank was born first, eager to begin life quickly—a trait that reflected the energetic way he lived throughout his life.

The Fritz household was lively and resourceful. The children created their own toys, built a miniature golf course in their backyard, and raised rabbits and chickens. One family story recalled how the chickens once became inebriated after eating hops left over from their father’s home beer brewing.

Tragedy struck the family early when Frank’s mother passed away shortly after the birth of the ninth child, Daniel. Frank was only six and a half years old and later said he had little recollection of his mother, perhaps due to the trauma surrounding her death and the upheaval it brought to the household. Before she died, their mother asked the eldest daughter, Mary, to “take care of your brothers.” Mary honored that promise throughout her life and remained deeply devoted to her siblings, especially Frankie.

Longevity ran in the family. Mary lived to be 100 years old, as did their brother Peter. Their sisters Anastasia and Ann lived to be 87 and 84, respectively, and their father lived to be 92.

At the age of 14, Frank began working as a butcher, a job he held for four years before enlisting in the United States Navy during World War II. He served as a First Class Seaman aboard the USS Sierra (AD-18), proudly serving his country for approximately two years. During his time in the Navy, a fellow shipmate later recalled that Frank was known as the “ship’s banker,” and that the two spent much of their rare free time together while stationed in China.

Decades later, at 67, Frank had a remarkable reunion while volunteering at the Rancho Cucamonga Public Library. By chance, he encountered that same shipmate, Sam Vigil—someone he had not seen in nearly fifty years. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment that brought back many memories of their time in the Navy.

After his discharge, Frank moved to Hollywood, California, where he pursued his passion for art. He painted extensively. Although he sometimes mentioned that exhibits did not always lead to sales, like a true artist, he continued to paint simply because he loved the craft.

During this time, he also graduated from the Orange County Professional Bartending School and worked as a bartender while continuing his artistic pursuits.

Frank later worked as a meat cutter and eventually retired after 30 years as a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.

At the age of 21, Frank became the godfather to his niece, Elaine, beginning a special bond that lasted throughout his life.

Frank married the love of his life, Doris Holman, on May 22, 1976, in Santa Monica, California. Together they lived in Santa Monica, Via Verde, Rancho Cucamonga, and Apple Valley. Though Frank did not have children of his own, through his marriage, he embraced a large extended family and cherished his roles as a stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Frank continued to live in Apple Valley after Doris's death, and he enjoyed family coming up the hill to visit him, where Applebee's was often the restaurant of choice for lunch.

Frank’s life was defined by his love of family, thoughtful conversation, and a lifelong curiosity about the world. He will be remembered for his kind-hearted nature, generosity, creativity, and the meaningful relationships he built with those around him.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.