Frederick A. Gerritz

Gerritz, Frederick Gerritz, Frederick James, 97, born August 19, 1923, in Buffalo, NY, entered Eternal Life on Saturday, October 31, 2020. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his daughter, Martha Fox (Bob). He was predeceased by his wife, Lauretta, and two sons, Frederick and Paul. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Jessica Schoen (Greg), Patrick, and Maureen; and two great-grandchildren, Bryson and Charlotte. Fred (Fritz) grew up in the Town of Tonawanda, NY and served in WWII from 1943-45 as a Tech Sergeant in the 8th US Army Air Corps, 466th Bomb Group and served as a Radio Operator and Aerial Gunner stationed in Attlebridge, England. His plane, a B-24 Liberator, was shot down on August 15, 1944, and he evaded capture due to the Dutch Underground, who hid him for eight months until he was liberated on April 11, 1945. Fred met his wife of 71 years on a blind date while attending radio operator school at Scott Field in Illinois. He reunited with Lauretta in May 1945, and they were married on November 17, 1945. They raised their family in Buffalo, NY until Fred enlisted in the US Navy, and they relocated to Anaheim, CA. He served in the US Navy from 1950-1966 as a Sr. Chief Petty Officer at Los Alamitos. Fred was active in his parish, the boy scouts, the Heritage League of the 2nd Air Division, and the 466th Bomb Group Association. Throughout his life, he was devoted to his family, and he was always lending a helping hand. Fred loved gardening, singing, cracking jokes, and telling stories. Funeral Mass 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 10, St. Justin Martyr Church, Anaheim, CA. Burial with military honors at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Orange, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the and Honor Flight Southland.

Published in the Orange County Register on Nov. 8, 2020.