Robert E. Fritts

Robert E. Fritts, 98, of Bayport, Long Island, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hawaii, Bob’s father’s military service with the Navy brought the family through Panama and Long Beach, CA, before eventually settling in New York. Bob graduated from Valley Stream High School and, as soon as he was eligible, enlisted in the United States Navy. He proudly served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II aboard the USS Monterey.

After his military service, Mr. Fritts returned to New York, where he settled in Oceanside and raised his family alongside his devoted wife, Lillian. He worked for over 20 years with the Ford Motor Company, ultimately retiring as Vice President of Purelator. Bob was also an avid pilot, flying out of the Bayport Aerodrome for more than fifty years. He took immense pride in his 1943 Boeing Stearman, which he personally rebuilt and restored with meticulous care and skill.

Predeceased by his beloved wife of fifty-seven years, Lillian, Mr. Fritts is survived by his two daughters, Pat Tefel and her husband Tony of New York, and Donna Harris of Pennsylvania; seven grandchildren: Anthony, Christian, Erinn, Holly, Josh, Kristina, and Rob, seventeen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and his brother, Frederick Fritts of Virginia.

Friends and family will gather to celebrate Bob’s life on Saturday, March 1st, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Home in West Sayville, where military honors will be rendered at 4 p.m.

Bob’s legacy of service, family, and passion for aviation will continue to inspire all who knew him.