Ralph G. Fritz of 522 Fritz Road, Salem Township (Hadley), passed away at 3:18 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 77.

Mr. Fritz was born May 1, 1931, in Salem Township, a son of the late Ralph W. and Clara M. Hoffman Fritz.

He was a 1948 graduate of the former Penn High School, Greenville.

On March 29, 1949, he married the former Mabel A. Hovis, who survives.

He had been employed by the former Greenville Steel Car Co. and later the former Trinity Industries of Greenville, having retired in 1989. Ralph also was self-employed as a farmer on the family farm in Salem Township.

He was a member of Old Salem United Methodist Church, Sugar Grove Township.

An avid outdoorsman, skeet shooting was his passion and he enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf. Ralph was a member of the National Rifle Association, Sandy Lake Sportsman’s Club and the National Skeet Shooting Association, for which in 1989 he was named to the 12-gauge all-state team.

In addition to his wife of 59 years, he is survived by: a son, Rodney G. Fritz and his wife Cheryl, Hadley; three daughters, Deborah and her husband Thomas DeRoss, Tipp City, Ohio; Penny Fritz; and Teri and her husband Danny Shook, all Hadley; a sister, Olive Bishop, Greenville; six grandchildren, Kelly and her husband Doug Roberts, Ronald Fritz and his wife Jodi, Aaron DeRoss and his wife Jennifer, Amy and her husband Michael Russo, Jason Shook, and Stacy Shook; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Paul G. Fritz; and a sister, Irene McCracken.

The family has suggested that memorial contributions be made to Old Salem United Methodist Church, Methodist Road, Greenville 16125

FRITZ

Ralph G., 77, of 522 Fritz Road, Salem Township.

Calling hours: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today (8-28-08) in ROBERT L. SNYDER FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 3223 Perry Highway, Sheakleyville. Condolences may be posted online at www.rlsfh.com

Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday (8-29-08) in the funeral home with the Rev. Jay Gill, retired, and the Rev. Steven Lamb, pastor of Old Salem United Methodist Church, Sugar Grove Township, officiating.

Interment: With committal service following at Hadley Cemetery.