Gottfried "Fritz" Barthol

Gottfried “Fritz” Barthol, age 90, of Fairport Harbor, passed away Friday, June 16, 2023 at UH Tri-Point Medical Center, Concord Twp, OH with his family at his side. He was born September 19, 1932 in Draga, Yugoslavia. Fritz’s family was part of a settlement region known as Gottschee. During WW II, the family was relocated to Austria when they lost their homeland. In December 1955, Fritz immigrated to the U.S., first coming to Brooklyn, New York and later relocating to Cleveland where he met his wife Frieda, who had immigrated to the U.S. from Germany. They were married September 6, 1964. Fritz was a trained pastry and banquet chef. Prior to owning his own business, he worked as a chef at historic Cleveland establishments, including the Cleveland Hotel, Carter Hotel and Charter House Hotel. Fritz and Frieda owned Chef Fritz’s Roadhouse Restaurant in Fairport Harbor for 32 years until they retired in 2002. In the early days of the restaurant, entertainment included polka bands on the weekends. Chef Fritz’s received several glowing write-ups in the News Herald food section over the years. Fritz enjoyed being outdoors. He enjoyed singing and had a beautiful voice. He always looked forward to reading the Gottscheer Zeitung. He was fluent in seven languages, including his hometown language Gottscheerisch, a Bavarian dialect. Fritz was devoted to his family, making many sacrifices for them. He always emphasized the value of education and hard work to his children. He was dearly loved and will be forever missed. Survivors include his children: Arthur Barthol and Anita (John) Staley; daughter in law: Kelly Barthol; grandchildren: Jordan (Daniel) Kriz, Emma and Lily Staley, Ellie (Joshua) Davison and Anna Barthol; great-grandson: Harrison Kriz. Preceding Fritz in death are his wife: Frieda Barthol, son: Werner Barthol; parents: Johann and Maria Barthol; siblings: Josephine Grebenc, Ludwig, Josef, Arnold and Herbert Barthol and twin infant siblings. A funeral mass will be at 11:00 am Saturday, June 24, 2023 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 316 Fifth St. Fairport Harbor, OH. 44077. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to St. Anthony of Padua Church, 316 Fifth St, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077 or to the Werner G. Barthol Endowed Scholarship at Cleveland State University School of Law at www.law.csuohio.edu/donate or Attn. Advancement Office: 2121 Euclid Ave., LB 113, Cleveland, OH 44115-2214. Arrangements entrusted to Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave. Mentor, OH 44060 Offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Gottfried "Fritz" Barthol

September 19, 1932 - June 16, 2023