An Evening with the Eagle

Remembering Dan Fritz in Philadelphia: 02-09-19

On Valentine’s Day weekend 2009 (eternal apologies, lovebirds), we gathered at a church on the campus of The University of Pennsylvania for a memorial service to honor the incomparable son, brother, friend and husband, Dan Fritz.

In front of pews filled with beautiful humans stunned by such an incomprehensible loss, I made my way to the front—standing by a table with his Eagle Urn, some photos, and the board game Axis and Allies (the nerds are nodding). I said things I meant but don’t remember, and then we all went to the basement to pay our laughy/teary tributes with memories, stories, and photos.

This year, to honor 10 years since DLF departed this spinning orb, I left V-Day to you and your boxes of rose-shaped chocolates and chose a Saturday in-between.

Instead, a beautiful group of the “old crew”, along with a few newbies, gathered and patiently listened to excerpts from a play I wrote called “Scattered: A Play in Pieces”. This was followed by a reading performed with Professor Prowess by the incomparable Brett Martz. I’ll never forget hearing Dan’s words read aloud–and I won’t have to, thanks to this video (audio quality being what it is).

I hope those of you who were not able to attend can get a taste of what the night was like. It meant the world to be reunited in love and, to use Dan’s word, fellowship.