Richard Leroy Fritzer's Obituary
It is with deep sorrow the Fritzer Family of San Diego announces the passing of our beloved Husband and Father, Dick Fritzer, Tuesday October 4, 2016, at the age of 82. Dick was a loving Husband, dedicated Family man, and consummate business professional, who always encouraged and motivated those around him to be the best they could be. It was Dick that led the cheers to acknowledge their accomplishments. He inspired by example, whether it was putting in long hours to ensure success in a business venture or fishing on the Colorado River. Richard “Dick” Leroy Fritzer was born to Roy Fritzer and Ruth Fritzer in San Diego on March 12, 1934. The Fritzer family lived in the North Park area and Dick attended Hoover High School, where he played on the Varsity Baseball team and served as President of the Fishing Club, graduating in the Class of 1951. He attended San Diego Junior College 1952-1953, serving as President of the Iota Theta Phi Fraternity. Dick earned a Bachelor of Science degree from San Diego State College in 1956, while working as the Assistant Advertising Manager at San Diego Magazine. At San Diego State, Dick was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. Dick served his Country in the United States Navy, enlisting for 4 years, 1956-1959, as a supply officer on a number of Navy Ships. Upon returning from his commitment to the Navy, Dick went to work for Home Federal Savings in San Diego, and retired after 30 years in 1989 as Vice President. Home Federal Savings was a key loaning institution for construction during this dramatic growth period for San Diego. Dick Fritzer was at the center of the success of these real estate projects, working with the developers and businesses that built so many of San Diego’s neighborhoods. It was under Dick Fritzer’s efforts that Home Federal Savings funded the very first loan on a condominium residence and commercial project in the State of California. Funding these condominium loans helped many citizens to realize the American Dream of home ownership. In 1969 he married Maureen Iliff Haddock and became “Dad” to her 3 sons, Richard, Rip, and Robbie in addition to his two daughters, Lori and Terri. His marriage to “Iliff” was a perfect union of love and life, fulfilling his dreams of all that life can be…he cherished Iliff and her endearing personality, business sense, and love for Family. With such harmonized spirits united, their marriage of 47 years was bliss…they were so fortunate to find each other. Dick was instilled with the values of giving back to the community. He served as the past President of the El Cajon Chamber of Commerce, past President of the Savings and Loan Institute, Trophy Chairman of the Mother Goose Parade for 5 years, Treasurer of the Economic Development Committee for the City of El Cajon and was a member of the El Cajon Valley Lions Club for more than 25 years. While with Home Federal Savings, he was named “Boss of the Year” by the San Diego Woman’s Club. As much as Dick loved his Family and business activities, he readily admitted to the pleasure he found in Fishing. He was an original Colorado “River Rat.” By his reckoning and meticulous record keeping, Dick had been on 86 fishing trips to the Colorado River. Many of his friends and associates enjoyed these fishing excursions, as did all of his children. Dick’s positive outlook on life and his generous and loving ways will be dearly missed by his adoring wife, Iliff, his Family and Friends. Dick is survived by his wife, Iliff, his daughters, Lori Fritzer of Point Loma and Terri Nutters (Greg) of Scripps Ranch, his sons, Richard (Ann), Rip (Debbie), and Robbie (Dawn) Fritzer, all of El Cajon, four Grandchildren, Jaclyn, Brandon, Jennine, and Nicki, and 5 Great-Grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the Fritzer family requests donations be made to The San Diego Center for the Blind. Please join us to celebrate the memory of this extraordinary man at The Salli Lynn Chapel, Greenwood Memorial Park, October 28, 2016 at 10:00 in the morning. A gathering will follow at Robbie and Dawn Fritzer’s home at 2966 Wildwind Drive, El Cajon, CA 92019
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