Frank J. "Skip" Spitz Jr.

Frank J. Spitz Jr., “Skip”, 86, husband of Carol L. (Deger) of West Norriton, PA passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at home.

Born on September 27, 1939, in Phoenixville, PA he was the son of the late Frank J. Spitz, Sr. and Mary (Michinock) Spitz.

Frank was a former member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Phoenixville, serving as lector and as guitarist at folk mass. After living in Maryland with wife Carol for a number of years, they returned as parishioners of St. Ann Catholic Church, Phoenixville.

He was a Phoenixville High graduate, 1957, and furthered his education at Brown Preparatory,1964-65, Drexel University, as Mechanical Engineer student 1966-70 followed by professional training courses at Penn State University, earning an Engineering Associate Degree at Delco Community College, 1998.

Frank served in the United States Navy active and reserves for five years, 1956-1961.

He was Owner/Operator Spitz Fire Protection Company, 1983-2006 (designing Fire Protection Systems). NICET certification, SET (Special Hazard Systems, and Water-based Systems Layout).

He served for many years as Secretary, Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) Delaware Valley Chapter, he also served as President, 1990-91. First recipient of the Frank J. Spitz, Jr. Service Award, which continues as an annual Chapter service recognition award in his name. Most recently he was named Lifetime Member SFPE National.

Founding Member of the Philadelphia Chapter of American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians (ASCET), 1996, he later served as ASCET National, Northeast Regional VP, 1998-99. During his tenure he founded numerous Regional Chapters including Rochester, NY and Hudson Valley, NY.

He served on the Board of Governors of National Institute of Certified Engineering Technicians (NICET), 2002-2006, and held office as Chairman, 2005-2006.  Based on his knowledge and experience, Frank served on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) technical committees for various standards, including NFPA 22, Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection.

His youthful years were spent on the Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) 1963-1985 where he held the office of Secretary and Dogwood Parade Chairman. In addition, he was Boy Scouts of America Cub Master, Pack 58, Phoenixville, and served as Octoraro District Chairman and Council Assistant Commissioner, Chester County, PA.

Frank loved building a family with wife Carol, having homes in PA, MD, and FL, sailing the Chesapeake, first on the GP14, then on the Challenger 24 “Carol Louise”, and finally the Columbia 10.7 meter “Seraph”. He took on his role as patriarch lovingly and dutifully, with a keen interest to each family member’s well-being and success. An active listener…no one had a better memory for names, and events past and future, even those mentioned in casual conversation. He was always ready to share a gregarious hug with sincere encouragement and a steer to choose the right path.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his 3 sons:

Frank Spitz, III husband of Cheryl Bolinger;

Robert Spitz husband of the late Dawn (Podbielski) Spitz;

Michael Spitz husband of Madeleine Spitz.

7 Grandchildren, Benjamin Spitz, April Spitz Scharling, Michael Spitz, Daniel Spitz, Caroline Spitz, Gregory Cagle, and Ryan Cagle.

8 Great-grandchildren, Melia Scharling, James Spitz-Davidson, Emerson Spitz-Davidson, Wesley Cagle, Emma Cagle, Lyla Cagle, Callie Cagle, and Caden Cagle.

He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Spitz, and brother, Ronald Spitz.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass in St. Ann Chapel, 604 S. Main Street, Phoenixville, PA on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:00 am

Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery,1261 Fillmore St, Phoenixville, PA.

A viewing will be held in the Devlin-Gatcha Funeral Home on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, and Friday in the Chapel from 9:45 to 10:45 am.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Frank’s passion for serving others, a contribution may be made to: SFPE Philadelphia - Delaware Valley Chapter, Attn: Caleb Demree, PE, 501 Feheley Drive, King of Prussia, PA, 19406.