Edward Fritsch

Hello,

My name is Arleene. On behalf of Ed's family, friends, co-workers and classmates, we are asking for help planning his memorial and final expenses.

Ed's Story:

Ed came to Benson, Arizona, in 2017 to help his mom care for his father, who battled Colon Cancer. He immediately started his career in Healthcare as a CNA. In 2018 he enrolled and began his LPN classes. Ed's father passed away in the summer of 2018, and Ed continued with his coursework and remained at his mother's side throughout. Ed graduated with his LPN in December 2018. Immediately he began his coursework to finish his Associate's degree and get ready to return to fulfill his RN. In 2020, amid the pandemic, he continued to work full time and returned to school to face the rigors of the LPN to RN program. In October 2020, he underwent emergency surgery to remove a mass from his colon. The surgery and continued medical care did not stop Ed from completing the semester; he pushed himself through everything. During his last semester of nursing school, he underwent testing and scanning. Just as feared, it was confirmed to be colon cancer, the same as his father two years earlier. He started Chemo right after graduation with his RN and continued working throughout it.

On October 30, 2021, his mother, Wanda Sitoski, was tragically murdered by a young juvenile smuggling illegal immigrants. She was on her way to meet Ed for her Birthday Celebration dinner when her car was struck crossing the intersection. This tragic loss of his mother took a profound toll on Ed and his health. Despite his grief, anger and pain, he continued to work as an RN, having just started at St Mary's Hospital in Tucson. Ed loved his work and cared for his patients and coworkers with pride. Sadly, Ed's health declined as he discovered cancer had spread. Ed continued to work throughout his treatments, and only weeks before his death did he have to quit working. Up until the final week, he had always planned to return to work and had plans to continue his education.

His final days were spent at Peppi's House Hospice in Tucson. Numerous friends and co-workers visited him. His beloved little sister Valarie could share in his last moments through video calls.

No matter the manner you knew Ed, he made a profound impact. His smile, wit and often an off-color sense of humor will remain with everyone who knew him. Ed was passionate and full of charisma. He could be full of piss and vinegar or as sweet as honey and apple pie. Ed only let a few people close to him and kept a close circle of friends. All of us that knew him have been better for it.

The funds will help set up a memorial for all who loved him to come together. His funeral expenses have fallen on his sister; we hope to get enough together to help her return him home to the family plot in Pennsylvania, where his beloved mother is waiting for him. He always wanted his birthday celebrated. We will try and set up a celebration of his life on January 6th, his 46th birthday. Details to follow.

It would be a lovely surprise if we could raise enough to create a permanent marker to commemorate Wanda and Ed so that they could always be remembered for their impact on this community.