Daniel Lee Fritz

Daniel Lee Fritz, (87) of Sterling, Virginia peacefully passed away on May 3, 2024. Born in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania to Jasper & Kathryn Fritz, Dan grew up in Osceola Mills Pennsylvania with a passion for athletics and education which mirrored the Fritz family history. A fiercely competitive spirit Dan excelled in the classroom and was known for his talents in baseball, football, wrestling, and shooting pool while attending the former Osceola Mills High School in Clearfield County, PA where he graduated with honors in 1955. In the fall of 1955 Dan enrolled at Bloomsburg University and was married later in the same year to Ella Jane Murphy of Osceola Mills, PA. His freshman season record-setting pinch hitting streak helped lead the Bloomsburg Huskies to the 1956 Pennsylvania State Championship Title and ignited an impressive 4-year Varsity Letter earning career in baseball which culminated with a Gold Glove Award his senior season. Following graduation from Bloomsburg in 1959 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Education Dan and Ella moved to New York and spent the next few years in both Earlville and Rochester where he taught and coached. During that time Dan enrolled at Colgate University and in 1963 received a Master’s Degree in Mathematics. In January of 1967, Dan moved his family to Sterling Park Virginia and he launched a successful career in sales management working for General Electric Information Services (GEIS). His advanced mathematical knowledge and developmental leadership skills were instrumental in securing some of the most landmark service contracts ever awarded to GE during his tenure as a Sales Manager at GEIS where he eventually retired in 2000. Dan was the epitome of diligence and selflessness working and investing his entire life to provide for the welfare of his family and his community. The amount of effort, money, time, and wisdom Dan dedicated to building and maintaining sports programs, securing playing fields, and providing all the equipment and resources necessary to ensure equality and safe environments with the best opportunity to learn and compete for every single person involved was immeasurable. He was one of the original pioneers and founding fathers of the Lower Loudoun Little League (LLLL) youth football program where he served in many capacities. He became the long-standing President of the County Board which included the programs in Sterling, Leesburg, and Purcellville from the late 1960s until 1996. Dan parlayed his college baseball playing skills into coaching various youth and high school level sports teams over the years. Along with several other amazing coaches and leaders in the community, he orchestrated many championship-winning teams utilizing their talents. He mentored numerous athletes and coaches in Loudoun County over the years in both Little League and Babe Ruth Leagues. He coached All-Star teams that advanced in tournaments well beyond the state level deep into the regional and national level during the 1970s & 80’s. For many years he was regularly seen at Bill Allen Field and several other ball fields and high schools in Northern VA supporting all the local players and coaches during their practices and games. As a central PA native, Dan was a Loyal Penn State Nittany Lions fan. He Bled Blue and White and consistently expressed tremendous interest and love for the PSU football and wrestling programs, attending many of their football games over the years. To celebrate his life and legacy by cherishing his memories Dan leaves behind his wife Ella of 68 years, two daughters Cathy (Mike) Kotch of Waterford, VA, and Shari (Dusty) Wince of Great Falls, VA, two sons Eddie (Paula White) Fritz of Bluemont, VA, Bill Fritz of Bluemont, VA, 5 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and brother Gerald (Jerry) R. Fritz (Rosanne) of Mechanicsburg, PA. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved son Danny and his two brothers Jack & Rush Fritz. Dan will be greatly missed but never forgotten. The family will receive friends for visitation at Loudoun Funeral Chapel at 158 Catoctin Cr. SE, Leesburg, VA, 20175, on Sunday, May 19th from 2-5pm. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home at 11:00am Monday, May 20, 2024. Interment will follow at Sterling Cemetery. All are welcome to attend. Share condolences with the family www.LoudounFuneralChapel.com

Daniel Lee Fritz

February 26, 1937 - May 3, 2024