Charles "Charlie" F. Fritz, Jr.

Charles F. Fritz, Jr., 59, of Hechscherville, passed away Thursday, August 4th, at his home.

Born in Pottsville, on December 1, 1962, son of the late Pearl Mae (Cole) and Charles F. Fritz, Sr.

He was the husband of Veronica Harley-Fritz, they married on April 24, 1993.

He had a passion for baseball and used the ball field to teach many lessons of life to all he encountered. His love of the game started at the Cressona Little League field, and it followed him to his baseball career at Mansfield University, and then to playing semi-professionally with the Bethel Pirates. His love of the game lead him to a career in coaching. Starting at his roots, he began coaching at Cressona Little League, then Blue Mountain High School and finishing at Minersville High School, where he was a coach for the 2007 State Championship team. Charlie was the founder of the original AAU baseball team in Schuylkill County – the Blue Sox, and he went on to found the West End Outlaws. His proudest moments were seeing his lessons being lived by those he coached.

He was a graduate of Blue Mountain High School, class of 1980 and Mansfield University, where he received his bachelor's degree. He received his teaching certificate from Kutztown University. He was employed by Gaudenzia as a supervisor of the call center.

In addition to his wife, Charlie is survived by his sons Zachary Fritz husband of Kerry, NJ and Aaron Fritz, Hechscherville; and his cherished grandchildren Darcy and Griffin.

He was the beloved baby brother of Barbara Dunningan, Schuylkill Haven, Charlene Wagner, Cressona, Leah, wife of Ronnie Emerich, Pine Grove and Malinda, wife of Thomas Renninger, Orwigsburg. Brothers-in-law, John Harley husband of Linda, Pottsville, and Harry Harley, Waynesburg. He is also survived by many loved nieces, nephews, and his sidekick Nellie.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at 5:30 PM on Thursday, August 11th at Ebling Stabingas Funeral Home in Cressona, with Certified Celebrant Rebecca Devlin officiating.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until the time of the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Cressona Little League, Blue Mountain High School Baseball Program, or the Minersville Baseball Program.

To extend condolences to the family, visit www.gsesfuneralhomes.com

Ebling Stabingas Funeral Home, Cressona has been entrusted with the arrangements.