Fritz Tillmann

Fritz Tillmann, 93, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Independence Health System Latrobe Hospital. Fritz was born on January 6, 1931, in Ratingen, Germany, the son of the late Fritz and Martha Tillmann. He had a sharp wit and intelligence and a definite rascally side. He settled down (somewhat!) after meeting his bride-to-be, Rose Vatter in Germany. They married on January 14, 1956 and moved to the United States. They started a family on Long Island, NY, before eventually moving to New Derry, PA in 1976. Driven by his curiosity about how things work, he fell into his occupation as a self-taught mechanical engineer. He worked at various companies over the years; most notably Sikorsky, Grumman, and Kennametal. Fritz was a playful, fun person to be around. He found enjoyment in fishing at the ocean, tinkering in his basement workshop, chopping firewood, playing mini-golf, travelling the country, and driving back roads just to see where they went. He loved playing games and loved winning. Fritz was an inspiration to his daughters not in word, but by example. Frittz is survived by his two daughters, Barbara Tillmann and Christine (Robert) Van Gorder; three grandchildren, Eric (Andrea) Van Gorder, Lucas Van Gorder, and Elizabeth Van Gorder; and two great-grandchildren Lorelei Van Gorder and brand new baby Mateo Van Gorder (who was born on the day of Fritz’s passing) . Preceding him in death were his wife, Rose G. (Vatter) Tillmann, and his daughter, Susan Elisa. The family will receive friends for Fritz’s Life Celebration, on Monday, December 23, 2024 from 9:30-1030AM at the Matthew X. Merlin Funeral Home Inc. 529 N. Chestnut St. Derry, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM Monday, December 23, 2024 at the St. Martin Roman Catholic Church, New Derry with Rev. Salvatore R. Lamendola as celebrant. Interment will be in the St. Martin Cemetery, New Derry. The family would like to thank the staff at Latrobe Hospital and Independence Health System Home Care and Hospice for their compassionate care with special thanks to Lois. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Fritz’s name to Action for Animals Humane Society, 386 PA-217, Latrobe, PA 15650. Online condolences may be made at merlinfuneralhome.com. See you in the funnies, Dad!

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