Distinguished Lawyer Memorial Honoree

Frederick Kunzel

Fritz was born in San Diego in 1933, attended San Diego High School where he was the Associated Student Body President and a competitive swimmer. He graduated from Stanford in 1954 Magna Cum Laude where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, played varsity water polo and was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. Fritz served as a Navy officer from 1957-1960. He was on the Board of Editors of California Law Review and a member of the Order of the Coif at Boalt Hall. Fritz began practicing in 1960 at the firm of Glenn and Wright. He joined Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves and Savitch in 1974, where he specialized in estate planning and trust law. He served on the boards of the Legal Aid Society, Affordable Housing Advocates, and the Ninth Judicial Circuit Historical Society and was active in the San Diego Jr. Chamber of Commerce and the Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (President). Fritz was a consummate lawyer. His renowned expertise in his field, meticulous attention to detail, brilliant mind and analytical ability made him an icon in the legal community and led him to represent throughout his career some of the most influential members of the community, who sought his help in solving their complex estate planning problems. His partners and other fellow lawyers also often sought the wisdom of his counsel. Fritz had many outside interests, serving as President of Point Loma Little League, President of San Diego Historical Society, and Chairman of what is now Point Loma Association, and was active in the Rotary Club. He loved reading history, was a dedicated long-distance swimmer, and competed nationally and internationally in Star class boat sailing. He and Klonie, his wife since 1954, had four children and three grandchildren.