Frederic G. “Fritz” Gilgen, 88, of Ridgewood, New Jersey and formerly of New Philadelphia, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024, following a period of declining health.
Born in Dover, Fritz was the son of the late Charles F. and Emily M. (Gibbs) Gilgen and was a 1953 graduate of New Philadelphia High School. He attended Bethany College and served four years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany.
Fritz began his career in the family business, The New Philadelphia Provision Company. In April 1966, Fritz became the first Superintendent of Parks and Recreation for the City of New Philadelphia (Tuscora Park). He retired after 30 years and then worked part time for both The Goshen Dairy and First Christian Church of New Philadelphia, where he was a member and served as both a Deacon and an Elder. Fritz was also a member of the New Philadelphia Rotary, Jaycees (Past President) and Elks Clubs.
Fritz is survived by his wife, the former Brooke L. Johnston, whom he married on June 2, 1963, in Zanesville, Ohio. Also surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Charles “Chip” and Lisa of Ridgewood, New Jersey; his daughter, Lee Ann of Cleveland; three grandchildren, Connor (fiancée Samantha), Katherine “Katie” and Carter; his younger brother, John (Linda) of South Carolina and two nieces and their families, Vonda Calcutt and Christa Martin. An infant nephew, Lance, preceded him in death. Fritz and Brooke relocated to Ridgewood in 2005 where he began his favorite career as taxi driver and short order cook for their three grandchildren. Papa rarely missed a football, lacrosse game or dance recital and was well-known among the fans as the biggest cheerleader. He was always ready with a quick one-liner and had the ability to make a friend out of any stranger.
The family will receive friends on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 10 AM to 12 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home at New Philadelphia where a service celebrating Fritz’s life will begin at 12 PM with Rev. Jim Borton officiating. Burial will be in East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia and a reception will follow in the Geib Family Center.
To honor Fritz’s memory, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to either RTY, Inc., 161 Tuscora Avenue NW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, or Cornerstone Christian Church, 495 Wyckoff Avenue, Wyckoff, New Jersey 07481.
Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory
116 Second Street NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663
www.geibfuneral.com
Geib Funeral Service
5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622
Geib Pet Crematory
5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622
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