Norman Alonzo Fitz

Norman A. Fitz 92, of Milford, Delaware passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 8, 2024. Norman was born in New York City, the son of the late Charles and Irene Fitz. His formative years were in Warrenton, North Carolina where his parents owned a grocery store. Norman then moved to Washington, DC and graduated from Howard University, studied medicine in Switzerland and Germany, then with his dear late wife, Joyce M. Fitz, raised his family in Queens, New York, Washington, DC and Silver Spring, Maryland. His last ten years in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Milford, Delaware were with his beloved partner Yvonne deVastey.

A civil servant, tennis player and actor, he simultaneously pursued profession and passions. After holding several positions at the Department of Commerce, he retired from Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

His acting career began in undergraduate school with the renowned Howard Players. He continued acting on stages nationally, in several films and in the long running television series “Homicide: Life on the Streets.” In his later years, he dedicated his widely recognized bass voice to reading books for “Recordings for the Blind.”

A competitive and nationally ranked tennis player until he reached his 80’s, he won scores of tennis tournaments, coached aspiring professional players, and founded and led several local and regional tennis associations. A longtime member of Edgemoor tennis club in Bethesda, Maryland, Norman was a linesman at professional tennis tournaments and was among the first American umpires of color at Wimbledon.

He is survived by his sister Diane Fitz, his children, Lauri Joy Fitz-Pegado, Bruce Anthony Fitz and Neal David Fitz, his granddaughter Briana Nsanga Fitz Pegado, many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Norman's life will be celebrated on April 10, 2025 at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 3001 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC where his ashes will be interred with his wife. An additional celebration will be held in Milford, Delaware.

In memory of Norman Fitz, you may contribute to the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation (WTEF) Arthur Ashe Children’s Program at https://support.wtef.org/NormanFitz.