Charles Pritz

Charles F. Pritz, age 76, of New Philadelphia, died Monday, July 20, 2009, in Avanti Nursing Care Facility at Lake Worth, Florida.Born at Akron, Ohio on March 3, 1933, “Bud” as he was known to his family and friends, was a son of Joseph F. Pritz of New Philadelphia and the late Ada (Wolfe) Pritz.Just following graduation from New Philadelphia High School in 1953, Bud was drafted into the United States Army where he served more than 18 months of his tour of duty stationed at Linz, Austria.Bud returned to New Philadelphia where he worked along side his father and brother at the former Pennland, Honda. The family-owned Fourth Street business specialized in the dealership of Honda Cars and Motorcycles. Upon his father’s retirement, Bud operated the business until his own retirement in the late 90’s.Being outdoors was one of Bud’s many enjoyments in life. He loved to take rides on his motorcycle and particularly enjoyed boating and fishing. Additionally, he never missed an opportunity to spend the day at Hollywood Beach, Florida. However, those who knew him best knew of his love of a good joke.Bud also loved to travel and during October of every year he would take a pilgrimage to Munich, Germany to visit with friends and enjoy the festivities of Oktoberfest. Bud also had the opportunity to travel to two Winter Olympic Games throughout his lifetime.In addition to his father, Bud is survived by his brother, James Pritz of North Canton; two nephews, Louis (Lisa) Pritz of Plantation, Florida and Kenneth (Amy) Pritz of New Philadelphia; and a close friend, Marcel Traudeau of Davie, Florida.Five great-nephews and one great-niece complete the family.Inurnment of Charles’ cremated remains will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. in East Avenue Cemetery where the New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445 will render military honors. The family will then receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Reverend Hugh B. Berry will lead a memorial service in the funeral home’s chapel beginning at 11. Immediately following the memorial service, a meal will be shared in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home.