The Life of Claude H. Fritch
Claude H. "Fritchie" Fritch, 84, of Bally, passed away on Friday, May 4, 2018 in his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was the long-time companion of Roberta M. (Greenawalt) Kemp. His wife, Geraldine E. (Stahl) Fritch died on November 8, 2000. Born in Topton, Claude was a son of the late Paul and Marion (Lafaw) Fritch. He was a 1952 graduate of Kutztown Area High School.
Claude was a self employed Barber, owning and operating Fritchie's Barber Shop in Bally for 56 years, working until last Tuesday. During his many years in business, Fritchie developed many friendships and relationships that meant so much to him. He previously worked as a delivery driver for Brunner's Bakery, East Greenville and as a Parts Manager at Spence Ford, Topton.
Fritchie was a member of Bally Lions Club, where he served as a former President and Treasurer; Boyertown Lodge No. 741 F.&A.M.; and Pike Township Sportsmen's Assn., Oley. He was also a member and former volunteer firefighter at Goodwill Fire Company, Bally. Claude was an avid hunter and golfer. He also enjoyed antique cars, especially his 1937 Chevy. Fritchie had a "colorful" personality and a heart of gold. In his free time, he could be found making his famous cocktails and handing his friends a cold beer.
In addition to his companion of 17 years, Roberta, Claude is survived by his two sons, Dean F., husband of Gale P. (Breuer) Fritch, East Greenville, and Claude P. "Bud" Fritch, Phoenix, AZ; and two grandchildren, Caitlin L. Fritch and Ethan J. Fritch. Fritchy was predeceased by his parents, wife, and brother, Russell Fritch.
A memorial service to celebrate Claude's life will be held on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church, 121 S. Home Avenue, Topton, with Revered Thomas Darr officiating. Burial will follow in New Goshenhoppen Cemetery, East Greenville. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. in the church.
The family requests contributions be made in Fritchie's memory to The American Heart Association, 968 Postal Road, Suite 110, Allentown, PA 18109 or online at www.heart.org/donate; The National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016 or online at www.kidney.org/donate; or The Bally Lions Club, 505 Main Street, Bally, PA 19503. Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Topton, PA, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com
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2018.05.07
Good Times
Claude will be missed in the town - he was such a pillar of the community. I remember the good times we had playing golf Sunday mornings at Twin Ponds and the fun putting the Christmas lights up along Main Street then enjoying a cocktail or two after. May he rest in peace.
Bill Stompf, Morehead City, NC
2018.05.22
Barber, friend, fellow hunter
Fritchie was my barber for probably 15 years. He charged eight bucks for a haircut, but I always gave him ten -- eight for the haircut and two for the hunting stories. The man was truly a class act, a "psychologist with a scissors", and always made you feel like the most important person in the world while you were in that chair.
Godspeed my Friend... May we hunt turkeys together in The Lord's woods.
Bill Bottiger
Seisholtzville PA