Frederick "Fritz" Orben, 78, of Hermitage, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2019, in his home.

Mr. Orben was born November 14, 1940, in Sharon, a son of the late Andrew and Matilda (Fleicher) Orben. He was a 1959 graduate of Farrell High School, where he was a standout football player. In his senior year he was selected to compete on the Mercer County all-star football team against the Trumbull County all-stars. Fritz continued his education and played football at Eastern Arizona Junior College.

He was employed as a chipper and a grinder for more than 20 years at the former National Castings, Sharon.

Fritz was a member of the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage. He was also a member of Alcoholics Anonymous in Sharon. A.A. was a large part of his life and not only did he attend, but he spoke at meetings all across the country.

Fritz enjoyed driving his corvette, jazz music and was an accomplished stained glass artist.

He is survived by his wife, the former Cynthia Sabo, whom he married December 26, 1964; a daughter, Sandi Driml and her husband Scott, of Paradise Valley, AZ; a son, Robert Orben and his wife Sharon, of Mesa, AZ; three grandchildren, Sarah and Zoe Driml, and David Bell; and one great grandchild, Jesse Bell.

In addition to his parents, Fritz was preceded in death by a step grandson, Tony Wells; and two brothers, Coe Orben and Richard "Butch" Orben.

Calling hours will be 10 a.m. until the time of the service Monday (04/15/2019) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon.

Funeral service will be noon Monday, in the funeral home, with the Very Rev. Richard Allen, E.V., pastor of Church of Notre Dame, officiating.