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Walter Stevens Fritsch III, 52, of East Haven passed away peacefully at Yale-New Haven Hospital on July 4. He was born Oct. 5, 1965, in New Haven to Walter Jr. and Raffaella “Rae” (Ponzillo) Fritsch.

Walter is survived by his parents Walter and Rae Fritsch; sister Lori Carusone (Tony) of North Branford; niece Christiana Carusone; nephew Justin Carusone; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Walter was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Walter and Pearl (McNaughton) Fritsch, and maternal grandparents Clement and Carmel (Aceto) Ponzillo.

On July 4 we lost our beloved Walter. His smile could light up a room. His personality, wit, and charm were overwhelming. He loved his music and wrestling, but most of all he loved his family. He enjoyed the family get-togethers and was always the life of the party. Walter had many disabilities but a strong will, and always overcame his health problems with his courage. He went to ACES and graduated, then went to work at SARAH in Branford. When he was younger, he was a Boy Scout with Troop 888 and won many medals for wheelchair racing in the Special Olympics. In the last few years, Walter could not speak but always had a smile. Last month Walter was honored as a Hero for Yale-New Haven Hospital and was presented a plaque of John Cena, his favorite wrestler.

To Yale-New Haven Hospital, the doctors, nurses, aides, respiratory therapists, and everyone on 10-7 East, we thank you; you became our second family. Your devotion and compassionate care was greatly appreciated and valued.

The family received friends July 8 at the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home), 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. The funeral procession left Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home on July 9 for a Mass of Christian burial in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Taylor Avenue, East Haven, followed by Committal at East Lawn Cemetery, East Haven.

We will miss our “Man”; our lives will never be the same without him, but I am sure if we look to the sky, we will see a bright star and it might even have a smile on it. We love you my man, take your rest. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Spina Bifida Clinic at Yale-New Haven Hospital, c/o Louise, 1 Long Wharf Dr., New Haven, CT 06510, in memory of Walter Fritsch III. For an online obituary, visit www.Clancy-PalumboFuneralHome.com.