Ernest L. Fitz, 83, of York Township, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. He was the beloved husband of the late Gloria (Howell) Fitz. The couple were married for 19 years until her passing in 2020.

Ernie was born in York on August 2, 1939 and was the son of the late Howard H. and Lestie (Myers) Fitz. Jr.

With his heritage rooted in the Fitz family farm, he balanced farm duties with his storied career as a fast pitch softball player. As the New Fairview Church of the Brethren team starting pitcher, his record included six no-hitters and 1,222 strikeouts in four years. In 1967, the team captured the state championship with Ernie pitching all 33 innings in six games.

Ernie proudly served in the Army with the 101st Airborne Division, the "Screaming Eagles", where he continued pitching for the US Army fast pitch softball team. His training as a paratrooper cemented his life-long values of teamwork and brotherhood, which led to his future success. He was honorably discharged as a specialist.

In 1978, Ernie along with his business partner Mick Smith, founded Fitz and Smith, Inc, to serve as a specialty contractor in paving, excavating, and grading. The company continues to be known for their superior quality of work. After 44 years, both men continued to work on job sites, with Ernie raking asphalt only three months ago.

Everyone who knew Ernie felt his kindness and giving nature, and knew he was the most loving husband, father, grandpa, and brother a family could ask for. He shared this same love with his community of friends, near and far. He was at home on any golf course and was a huge fan of all sports. He was also a huge fan of the Fitz family reunions, a time he was grateful to connect with his brothers and sisters and their families.

He is survived by his two daughters, Lisa G. Yocum and her husband Mike, of Fairfield and Betsy L. Pomory and her husband John, of York; grandchildren, Cara Yocum and fiance Jonathan Pinker, Ethan Yocum and wife Aliza, Lexie Pomory, Mikki Pomory, and Sammi Pomory. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Rexanne E. Goss and her husband Timothy, of Lebanon, Susan Eller of Nottingham, MD and Michele L. Shoop and her husband Russ, of York; several step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; as well as his sister, Ruth Hartman, brother, Howard Fitz, Jr., and his former wife and friend, Patty Fitz.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Marlin Fitz and a sister, June Barshinger.

A funeral service to honor Ernie's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, November 10th at New Fairview Church of the Brethren, 1873 New Fairview Church Rd., York, PA 17403. A viewing at the church will precede the funeral and will begin at 11:00 AM until the start of the service. Interment will follow in New Fairview Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Ernie's name can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org or to Disabled American Veterans, www.dav.org .