Larry Robert Fritz

Larry Robert Fritz, known to his friends as “Fritz,” 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on February 7, 1948, in Wilkinsburg, the son of the late Harry Milton Fritz and Gertrude Leona Wampler Fritz.

Larry is survived by his children, Amber Fritz of Greensburg and Matthew (Jody) Fritz of Pembroke, Massachusetts; his sisters, Victoria Lee Marks of Latrobe and Lisa Kay (Quint) Cook of Birmingham, Alabama; 10 grandchildren, Justine (Christopher) Sarsfield, Nathan (Jayme) Herrle, Nicholas Herrle, Jillian Herrle, Kathryn Mary Fritz (David), Zachary Fritz (Mikayla), Breanne DeAugustine, Angel DeAugustine (Isaac), Daniel DeAugustine, Kayla DeAugustine (Eric); 9 great-grandchildren: Dakota, Mia, David, Joseph, Skyler, Hayden, Isaac, Asher, Rowan. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

As a teenager, Larry enjoyed rebuilding old cars from the frame up. He built engines and drivetrains for race cars for others, and in time, that passion led him to take up racing himself as a hobby.

After graduating from Gateway High School in 1966, Larry attended the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, where he earned his Associate Degree in Aeronautical Maintenance Technology. Although he did not pursue a career in aeronautics, he remained fascinated by airplanes and hot air balloons, a love of adventure that eventually led him to become an avid skydiver for many years.

In 1969, Larry married his high school sweetheart, Mary Kathryn McKim, and began working as a welder at Westinghouse Electric. While still employed there, he had the opportunity to enter the fast-food restaurant business, eventually owning and operating two pizza shops and an ice cream parlor. These businesses proved to be very successful.

In 1987, Larry returned to college, and in 1992 he earned certificates in Human Resource Management and Sales/Marketing along with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Allentown College of Saint Francis de Sales.

Following his college years, Larry’s work in sales took him to Boston and Syracuse before he eventually returned to Pennsylvania. He later retired from his career in sales.

Of all Larry’s work, experiences, and travels throughout his life, the two things he was most proud of were his children, Amber and Matt, whom he loved and cherished deeply. He affectionately called each of them his favorite.

Family and friends will be notified about Larry’s celebration of life, which will be scheduled for a later date in the coming months.

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