Pelham’s involvement and contributions to the community throughout the years established a highly respected reputation in Harlem, throughout the City of New York and across the country. He was a standout student/athlete as a youth and pursued his basketball interests throughout his life. In this regard, Pelham was deeply involved with the Harlem YMCA, served as Past President of the Rucker Memorial I.T.T. Summer League, of which he was an original founder and organizer. However, Pelham’s interests always went beyond the sport itself. He recognized that the whole community had wants and needed to be served. Early on he became active in civic activities and local politics, often fighting for the rights of the underdog, the disenfranchised and the hopeless. His efforts carried across all age and gender groups. Pelham served as President of the Board of Directors of the Greater Harlem Nursing Home, Chairman of the Urban Teachers Corps Advisory Committee for School Districts 4 and 5, Chairman of Neighborhood Board #4 (Haryou-Act), member of the Board of Directors for Harlem Phipps P.A.L. Center, Board Member of Courtsmen, Inc., and Harlem Meals on Wheels among others.

Pelham served as a trustee of the Children’s Aid society since 1972 and was Chairman of the Children’s Aid Society City and Country Branches. The Dunlevy Milbank Center in Harlem was especially dear to him and he served for many years as Chairman of the Advisory Committee. In 1990, The Milbank Housing Development Fund in partnership with The Junior League and the City of New York opened and named their transitional housing for homeless families The Pelham Fritz Apartments in his honor.

A veteran of World War II, he was a member of the 369th Veteran’s Association. He was also a member of the Abyssinian Baptist Church.

Pelham was employed by the N.Y.C. Department of Parks and Recreation for 38 years, beginning as a Playground Director in 1950, and accomplished the rank of Asst. Commissioner for Recreation, which he served until his death. Much more important to him than his personal achievements, were the thousands of young boys and girls, men and women that he positively influenced and guided throughout the years. He was a bold, honest, gentle and loving man who cared deeply for those he touched.

Many awards and citations were conveyed on Pelham Fritz during his life. He has been cited for outstanding achievement by the New York City Council, congressman Charles B. Rangel, Manhattan Borough President David Dinkins, Dunlevy Milbank Children’s Center, the Mid-Manhattan Branch of the N.A.A.C.P., the New York Urban Coalition, The Children’s Aid Society, the friends of J. Rozier Hansborough Recreation Center, the Ebony Society - N.Y.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, and many other organizations.

On September 20, 1988 the N.Y.C. Department of Parks and Recreation dedicated the Pelham Fritz Recreation Center in Marcus Garvey Park in his honor. This was a fitting tribute, as this is where he met his beloved wife of 40 years, Betty.

Pelham departed this life at Calvary Hospital, Bronx, N.Y. on November 12, 1988. He is survived by his only daughter Charlotte Fritz-Milan, his two grandchildren, Dwight and Tikema, his godson John M. Sena Jr., surrogate son Calvin Ramsey, a host of nieces and nephews and extended family of friends whose lives were enriched by his presence.

As told by the Honorable Mr. Fritz's daughter, Charlotte Fritz-Milan.