DANIEL T. FRITZ age 55, beloved husband for 30 years of Colleen (nee Perko); loving father of Jarrod, Jakob, and Hadlie; cherished son of Gail (nee Gorney) and the late Frederick (retired Fire Chief of Orange Village); dearest brother of Traci Gambino (husband Joe), Ryan (wife Jessi), and the late David (wife Marina); devoted son-in-law of Karen and the late Charles Perko and brother-in-law of Wendy (husband Mark) Demetrios; dearest nephew, uncle, great-uncle of many and friend to everyone. Dan died suddenly March 16, 2023; Dan was the current Mayor of Moreland Hills, Assistant Fire Chief for Orange Village and a Fire Captain for the City of Bedford Heights.
A 1986 graduate of Orange High School, Dan went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at Ohio University. An avid runner, Dan completed the New York City marathon, as well as several half marathons. He was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking, camping, kayaking, and frequent backpacking trips with friends and family.
Dan’s friendly nature, sense of humor and willingness to help people any time of day or night made him the go-to guy for just about any situation, whether it was in his neighborhood, at the fire station, or in the community. He was the epitome of public servant, receiving many awards and commendations over the years for his dedication and accomplishments in the fire service.
Despite his busy schedule, Dan always made time for his family and cherished all of the fun adventures they had together over the years. Although his presence in this world was cut way too short, the positive impact he made on his children and so many other people will be felt for decades to come.
In lieu of flowers, contributions suggested in memory of Dan to IAFF Center of Excellence or LifeAct.
Celebration of Life Service Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 2 PM at the FUNERAL HOME (live-stream via the funeral home website). Informal gathering to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Dan SATURDAY 12 Noon – 2 PM at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND, 12811 CHILLICOTHE RD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.).
Offer Condolence for the family of Daniel T. Fritz
Print This Obituary & Condolences
Sean
Thank you for being so kind to your family. Especially Mariah. She’s my best friend.
Noel Phillips
Too short a time many of us got to spend time with you. You will be missed by the entire Community. You will be missed.
Lynn Racine
Rest In Peace Captain.
Bill & Teri
So sorry for your loss our prayers are with you and the family. We love you all and are here for you there are no words to describe how we feel for all of you ❤️❤️
G. Anderson
My condolences to you Colleen and your family during this difficult time.
Doug & Nell Craig
To Colleen and your family. Please know that my entire family is feeling tremendous sorrow at the untimely loss of Dan! There aren’t any words that can be said to make this pain go away. Just know he was a part of my BHFD family and we will miss him. Sending much love to you all! I’m sorry we can’t be there. Doug and Nell Craig
Tony Stastny
So very sorry for your loss.
Bridget Gehri
Thank you for being a part of my father’s ‘Fire Dept. family’. Love, condolences and prayers for the Fritz family.
Rest in final peace, Captain
Leslie McKnight, PMO Director
Please feel the condolences from the staff and families of the Parents’ Morning Out program at CFUMC. Dan was a kind man with a big heart for helping others. Most memorably, last fall, he provided a free CPR seminar for our families. We appreciate him and all he stood for.
Sheila Henderson
There are no words that can express how sad we are for the loss of Dan. He touched so many people in such important ways!!! He loved you all!!!Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days ahead!!!
Danielle Stephens
Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time..sending warm thoughts.
Danielle Stephens
Mayor Benjamin Holbert, Woodmere
I will certainly miss my quarterly breakfast meetings with Mayor, Dan Fritz. not to mention his positive and upbeat Mayors report to the Orange school District. his death is a tremendous loss to Northeast Ohio. Rest in power, my friend.
Marianne Guy
I will miss Dan as a friend and co-worker. He was very good to the dispatchers of Bedford Hts, great at explaining fire-related topics during training, and was friendly and personable to all. He made a big impact on the city of Bedford Hts and everyone who met him.
Jami Moses Phillips
My deepest condolences to all of Dans family. I knew Dan from high school. He was the kindest person. I just got done watching his service. I had to work, I really wanted to be there.. It was very very nice . Frankenstein Fritz. That was funny.
I’m very sorry for your loss of such a genuine, compassionate funny & kind man.
Jami Phillips
Frank Wishinsky
I am sorry to hear of Danny’s untimely passing. I was blessed to have known him growing up. He was always a kind and friendly person. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Patty Hills
Dan and family would come visit his mom when she was here in Florida and he was always very thoughtful and lots of fun. After listening to his celebration of life I know I am so blessed to have known a special guy who truly cared about his family and all that he knew. What a difference he made in so many others lives. My condolences, love and prayers to the family and loved ones who can take comfort knowing he was so loved and special and made a difference in so many lives and is in heaven with the Lord and loved ones. You will be greatly missed!
Linda Baker
Danny was one of my favorites among Ken Baker’s OHS friends — always seemed so mature for his age and deeply caring for his buddies. A beautiful, accomplished person. My sincere condolences for the family’s and the community’s loss.