Nathaniel Wyeth Fritsche, formerly of Malvern

Nathaniel Wyeth Fritsche, a resident of Kendal at Longwood, died on January 6, 2017, at the age of 81. Prior to moving to Kendal 4 years ago he resided in the Malvern area for forty years.

Nat was born in New York City. After graduation from Rutgers University he joined the Marine Corps and earned his wings as a Naval Aviator. He flew F-8U jets as a member of the VMF-122 squadron based in Beaufort, SC. Several of his missions involved aerial surveillance during the Cuban missile crisis.

Upon leaving the Marine Corps, Nat joined DuPont as a mathematician and systems analyst. He was on the original team at DuPont that computerized three plants. In 1968 he and three colleagues formed ATS, a company that provided computerized accounting services to auto dealers. Nat served as VicePresident of Engineering and Development at ATS until the company was purchased by ADP.

Nat was known for his engaging grin and his subtle, whimsical sense of humor. He was passionate about his family, the Outer Banks, where he had a vacation home, and Duke basketball. After retirement, he traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Survivors include his wife Lois (Robertson) Fritsche, children, Todd of Phoenixville, and Lisa Lelito of Cary, NC, 5 grandchildren - Jessica, Madelaine, and Katelyn Fritsche, Hannah and Joshua Lelito, and his brother Jay Fritsche of South Bend, IN.

A celebration of Nat’s life will be held at the Outer Banks later this year.

To honor the compassionate and skilled care he received from the Kendal staff, memorial contributions may be made to Kendal-Crosslands Communities (designate for the E & A duPont Kendal Staff Support Fund), PO Box 100, Kennett Square, PA 19348