Obituary of Stephen J Fritts

Stephen J. Fritts, 72, of Washington Township passed away on April 16, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Steve was born on November 3, 1950 in Phillipsburg, NJ to the late Joseph and Anne "Howell" Fritts. Steve graduated from Warren Hills High School, Class of 1969. It is there where he met the love of his life, Shelley Stauffer, who he was married to for 50 years this coming September. Together, they created a beautiful family and raised 3 daughters, who later blessed them with 6 grandchildren; Hailey, Ryan, Connor, Mackenzie, Madelyn, & Cameron; the true joys of his life. He received his Bachelor's degree in Education from Kent State University and earned his Master's degree in Health Education from East Stroudsburg University. Steve was employed as a Health and Phys Ed teacher for the Warren Hills School District for more than 33 years before his retirement in 2011. Steve, an avid Cleveland Browns fan, had a passion for coaching and football. He coached football for 40 years, mostly for the Warren Hills Blue Streaks, but spent time at Bangor High School and Belvidere High School as well. He also served as an assistant coach for the swim, basketball, track and softball teams, all for the Streaks. He was honored for his commitment to the Warren Hills community and athletics when he was inducted into the Warren Hills Hall of Fame. When his grandson starting playing football, he volunteered with the Washington Township Panthers. Steve was a history buff who enjoyed reading about WWII and the Civil War and enjoyed traveling to different battlefields and National Parks. He would never miss a summer vacation and was able to visit 46 states over the years with his family. In retirement, Steve spent every moment he could with his grandchildren and was always their biggest fan at all of their events. Steve is survived and deeply missed by his loving wife, Shelley; daughters, Courtney Hoffman (Jim), Erin Amato (Tony) and Casey Eck (Robert); his grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, as well as his sisters, Rosalyn Dashine and Melissa Fritts; and brothers Joseph "Jody" Fritts (Cindy), Kenneth Fritts (Gwen) and David Fritts (Cheryl). Steve was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Janie Fritts. Family and friends may pay their respects on Monday May 1, 2023 from 4-7 PM and again on Tuesday from 10:30 – 11:00 AM at the Faith Discovery Church. 33 Brass Castle Rd. Washington, NJ. A memorial service celebrating Steve's life will be held on Tuesday May 2, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steve's name to Cure PSP, 1216 Broadway, 2nd Floor, NY, NY 10001, https://www.psp.org OR St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 214 St Hwy Route 31 North, Washington, NJ 07882. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Warren Hills Memorial Home. To send an online condolence please visit www.warrenhillsmemorialhome.com