Stanley L. 'Buddy' Fretz, 77

SMYRNA - Stanley L. "Buddy" Fretz, of Smyrna, passed away in his home Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008. He was 77. Buddy was born July 19, 1931, in Kulpsville, Pa., the son of the late Linford Morgan Fretz and Minnie Bean Fretz. Buddy was an auto worker for the Chrysler Corporation in Newark, and retired after 31 years of service. He enjoyed driving around town in his truck, spending time sitting by the river at Woodland Beach, and was known to be a very generous person. He had a big heart. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia D. Fretz in 2003. He is survived by a daughter, Lisa Gerhard and her husband Ross of Wilmington; two grandsons, Tommy Long and his wife Jamie, and Zachary Gerhard, all of Wilmington; two granddaughters, Hailee and Sydnee Gerhard, also of Wilmington; two sisters, Gertie Chase of Clayton, and Doris Arment of Houston, Texas; a brother, Chuck Fretz and his wife Lorraine of Brookside; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews, and a host of friends. He is also survived by his special friends with whom he lived, Bill and Dawn Shivock and their children Tyler and Taylor. A viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in the Faries Funeral Chapel, 29 South Main St., Smyrna. Services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Hwy., Dover, DE 19904.