Robert R. Fritz, age 56, formerly of Fort Washington, PA, died suddenly Monday, October 31, 2016 at his home in Philadelphia.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, he is the son of Marian (nee Gigliotti) and the late Charles Fritz.
Fritz was the bar manager at Atlantis, The Lost Bar, in Philadelphia where he would gather with countless friends, both two-and-four-legged. Many dogs would pass by the bar and drag their owners into the bar for a good rub and a treat.
Robert was a founding member and first president of the East Kensington Neighbors Association and helped change the face and perception of the neighborhood. He was also a friend to Greensgrow Farm and his pal Milkshake the pig. He was a member of the Neighborhood Advisory Committee board for New Kensington Community Development Corporation.
Fritz had many loves in life. He loved playing golf, spinning records, and spending hours talking about music with anybody. He also enjoyed taking road trip with his partner, Dave, going anywhere they could get to within a day. His favorite vacations were spent on the East Coast searching for lobster.
Fritz’s true passion was connecting to people and he believed that everyone had a right to happiness. He frequently reached out to the neighborhood’s homeless and gave them odd jobs around the bar so they would be part of the community. Five dollars to wash the windows, Ten bucks for sweeping the sidewalk.
Fritz would do anything for you if he thought it would make your life easier. People gave him happiness and his happiness and laughter were contagious. Whether you knew him for a few hours or for your whole life, he made an impact. The communities of Fishtown and Kensington will never be the same without him.
In addition to his mother, Robert is survived by his husbear, (HB) David F. Prendergast of Philadelphia. He is sister of Frances “Sissy” Biedlingmaier and her husband Kris of Fort Washington, and Catherine Fritz. He is the brother of Charles Fritz and his wife Marie.
Friends and relatives are invited to come celebrate Bob (Fritz’s) life on November 19 at the Fritz Residence, 1120 Camp Hill Road, Fort Washington, at 2PM. Interment will be private.
Remembrances in Fritz’s name please send donation to “Street Tails Animal Rescue” http://www.streettails.org/ 1030 N 2nd St #401, Philadelphia, PA 19123 or “Greensgrow Farms” animal fund http://www.greensgrow.org/ 2503 East Firth St Philadelphia, PA 19125 would be appreciated by the family. •
