The Reverend Francis B. Creamer Jr. died peacefully in his sleep after a short battle with cancer. He was 79.

Fritz, as he was known to his friends and colleagues, was the son of The Reverend Francis B. Creamer and his wife Margaret Welch Gates. Born in Detroit, Mich. on February 24, 1937, Fritz attended Detroit University School before moving to Lewistown, Pa., where he graduated from Lewistown High School in 1954. He enrolled in Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1958.

After graduating college, Fritz worked at CBS television in New York as a junior executive. While living in Manhattan, he met his future wife, Ann Wilkins Lichty, and they married on Nov. 28, 1959. After completing six months active duty in the National Guard, Fritz entered Berkeley Divinity School in New Haven, Conn. and received a Master of Divinity degree in June 1963. At the commencement ceremony he was chosen to deliver the student address and was awarded a Sidney Child Fellowship to Trinity College, University of Toronto. Prior to moving to Canada, Fritz was ordained Deacon at Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford, Conn. by the Right Reverend Walter H. Gray.

Returning from Canada in 1964, Fritz was ordained to the priesthood and served as curate at St. James Church in West Hartford, Conn. During this time he became active in the civil rights movement, and in 1965 traveled to Alabama to join Martin Luther King Jr. in the Freedom March from Selma to Montgomery. His belief in civil rights and equality for all remained an important concern throughout his life.

In 1967 Fritz was named the assistant rector at the Church of the Heavenly Rest in New York city, and five years later was appointed rector of St. Andrew’s Church in New London, N.H. There he became active in community affairs and at Colby Junior College. His last parish was St. Luke’s Church in East Hampton, N.Y. where he was rector from 1978 until his retirement in 1997. Among his major accomplishments while at St. Luke’s were the restoration of the historic church building and binding relationships between year-round and summer residents.

While living in Manhattan, Fritz and Ann purchased a small seasonal cottage on Chappaquiddick where they would go every summer with their two children. On Chappy Fritz and his family would escape the demands of parish life and embrace family time, enjoying fishing, sailing and relaxing together in the company of old friends.

Upon retirement, Fritz and Ann moved to the hills of South Royalton, Vt., but in 2001, after visiting close friends in midcoast Maine, they moved to Waldoboro, Me. He served as a trustee to the Waldoboro Public Library, and was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Newcastle, Me.

Everyone knew Fritz for his charm, wit and sense of humor. He was a gifted preacher, generous and compassionate to all, a true servant of God.

Fritz is survived by his beloved wife Ann; a daughter, Elizabeth Figler. her husband Ted, and their three children, Will, Henry and Charlie, of Duxbury; and a son, Nathaniel, who lives in Baltimore with his wife Louisa and their two children Luke and Tess.

A memorial service was held at St. Andrew’s Church in Newcastle, Me. on Saturday, March 5. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1287, Edgartown, MA 02539.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, Me. Condolences and messages for the family may be expressed by visiting StrongHancock.com.