Obituary of Charles Lambert Fritts II

Charles L. Fritts, age 83 of Rowayton, CT passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of his life Joan and his beloved friend Julie. Charles was born on March 9,1943 in Easton, PA, (Nickname "SKIP". Charles was the son of Charles L. Fritts & Evelyn (Brassaw) Fritts. He attended Baldwin Wallace university for one year where he played football, but unfortunately suffered an injury and decided to pursue another path. Charlie attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida where he received his Pilot's license. After graduation, he enlisted into the U.S Army and was later stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. When his military commitment was satisfied, he settled in Maryland for a short period before his childhood friend, Gary Brown, a graduate of King's Point, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, convinced him to move to CT and become a part of the international shipping community.

His drive and global curiosity led him to a distinguished career in International shipping with Stolt-Nielsen, as the Director of the International fleet of tankers within the Far East. A role that reflected his natural affinity for global connections and travel. His work allowed him to see the world, feeding an innate sense of adventure that stayed with him throughout his life. Many international friendships developed and grew part of his network of close friends. He often spent time and attended monthly luncheons at Giovanni's Water's Edge in Darien, CT as part of "Connecticut Carnivore Club". Charlie was also a member of Ischoda Yacht Club in Norwalk where he lunched on the water with friends once retired. Though Charles traveled to nearly every corner of the globe, no place held a special piece of his heart quite like the island of Anguilla. It was on those white sand shores that Charles married his beloved wife Joan on January 2, 1993. Together, they returned to their tropical sanctuary time and again over thirty-three wonderful years, creating countless cherished memories in the paradise they loved most.

A total foodie and a talented, self-taught gourmet cook, Charles treated the kitchen as his stage. He loved nothing more than experimenting with international cuisines, trying bold new recipes, and opening his home to host unforgettable gatherings. No one ever left Charles's house without a fantastic meal, a full drink, and a heart warmed by his hospitality.  When he wasn't planning a new menu or cheering on Penn State during college football season, Charles could often be found relaxing at home surrounded by the simple joys of life. He held a lifelong love for animals—a bond best showcased in his devoted companion, "Thomas," his cat, who was his faithful companion for 13 years.

Charles is survived by his devoted wife, Joan Gallagher who shared in every adventure, meal, and memory across their decades together;(Brother):Dale(Melissa) Fritts, Children:Tammy (Steve) Romano, Derek Fritts, (Stepdaughter) Kerry (Michael) Gallagher, Grandchildren: Leslie (William) Kolbe, Nicholas,(Schaefer) Romano, Rian Henry, and Eli Gallagher. Great-Grandchildren, August Kolbe, Charles Kolbe, (Nieces, Allison Fritts, Ashley Fritts Jamie (Craig) Drake and their children Claire and Eliiot. A wide circle of treasured friends and colleagues across the globe. He was predeceased by his father and mother.

Charles was a man of remarkable depth—a heavy thinker guided by traditional values, unwavering loyalty, kind, thoughtful, and sensitive to those around him, he balanced a hardworking work ethic, was an advert reader, with a great sense of humor that could light up any room. Charles gave generously of his time, heart, and wisdom, earning the lifelong respect and affection of everyone blessed to know him. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Charlie's memory to:

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

A private Celebration of Charles's Life will be held in August.

"Life is an adventure to be lived, shared, and celebrated—preferably around a table filled with great food, warm laughter, and the ones you love most."

.