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C.F. Messinger, 95
C. F. ÒFritz" Messinger, 95, died May 10 at Florida Presbyterian Homes, Lakeland, Fla. He was predeceased in 1998 by his loving wife, Peggy Nicholls, whom he married in 1938.
Fritz was born Jan. 21, 1915, in Allantown, Pa. He grew up in nearby Easton. He graduated from Gettysburg College in 1938 and received his masterÕs degree from Western Reserve University in 1956.
Fritz had a love of camping that began in 1925 at the Y camp in Easton, Pa. He became a pioneer in small unit camping and co-wrote many manuals and books on the subject. Working at the National Board of Christian Education for the Presbyterian Church from 1958 to 1973, he traveled all over the U.S. and Mexico setting up training seminars for camp programs. After retiring to Florida in 1973 he and his wife were editors for the John Milton Society for the Blind until 1985.
Fritz's heart really belonged in Truro at his wife's family home. There he spent summers from 1936 until his death doing the things he loved best Ñ swimming, canoeing, sailing, birding and making beach plum jam. His friend Al Davis made an urn for Fritz's ashes Ñ a ceramic canoe with a paddling figure singing.
On the day of his death, Fritz swam several laps and had a cold beer.
He is survived by his daughter, Diane Messinger of Truro; his son, Paul Messinger, of Camden, N.J.; his daughter-in-law, Joyce Messinger, of Leominister; his grandchildren, Dr. Lisa Messinger, of Westchester, Ill., Scott Messinger, of Plano, Texas, and two great-grandchildren, David Messinger, of Plano, and Till Frederick Spitza, of Westchester, Ill. He was predeceased by his beloved son, David, who died in 1997.
An interment memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 30 at Truro Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, send contributions to the Truro Congregational Church.
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Aaron Gilman
Virginia Joseph, 80Virginia Joseph, 80
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Aug 28th, 2008