NORWICH – Charles Henry Fritschler, 86, died at Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City on Friday, May 18, 2012, with his loving family at his side.
Charles was born June 24, 1925, in Schenectady, the son of Charles Edward and Mary Kieft Fritschler. After graduating from Draper High School and Albany Business College, he was accepted into General Electric’s Executive Training Program, followed by a 20-year career at GE’s Turbine Department. In 1966, Charles and family moved to Norwich, where he was employed by GLA and Norwich Pharmacal. In 1976, he started a 15-year career selling insurance for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Charles retired in 1991 to spend more time with his family and pursue his interests.
Surviving are his beloved wife, Dorothy Lura Freligh Fritschler (they would have been married 62 years on May 20); his sons: Charles A. Fritschler and his wife Rosell; Karl D. Fritschler, his wife Nancy and granddaughter Sarah; Kevin J. Fritschler, grandson Brian, granddaughter Hillary, and great grandson Jaydon.
From an early age through high school, Charles took lessons in saxophone, clarinet, and guitar, starting to play in bands at the age of 16. Charles was a longtime member of the Schenectady Musicians Union and for decades regularly played in jazz/dance bands, especially with his good friend, Steve Anthony. On moving to Norwich in 1966, he formed his own band, “Charlie Fritschler and Men,” and played around the area for many years. Charles truly loved his music and his many musical instruments. For several years, he was an avid Ham Radio operator, chatting with people all around the world.
An animal lover, Charles loved his dogs Benji and Andi and enjoyed reading while his favorite cats slept in his lap. He also liked sitting at the kitchen table watching the numerous wildlife in his backyard.
Charles was a spiritual person who read his Bible daily. He attended Calvary Baptist Church until for health reasons he could no longer attend. He faithfully watched his favorite religious programs on television.
There will be a private memorial service for his immediate family.
Contributions in memory of Charles H. Fritschler may be made to the Chenango County SPCA, 6160 County Road 32, Norwich, New York 13815.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.