Northeast Self Storage Association Announces Passing of President Charlie Fritts

Charlie Fritts, president of the Northeast Self Storage Association (NeSSA), passed away on Sunday at the age of 68. He was a remarkable fixture in the industry, with decades of experience and passion to help everyone do and be their very best, according to a newsletter from the association to its members.

Fritts began his self-storage career in 1990 with Sovran Self Storage, which later became Life Storage Inc., as vice president of property management. When he left the company in 1999, he held the role of senior vice president, responsible for 160 properties in 20 states.

In 2000, Fritts joined Storage Investment Management Inc. (SIMI) as chief operating officer, then became a partner a year later. He was responsible for the portfolio’s daily operations and budgeting as well as acquisitions and due diligence, feasibility studies, financial analysis, and contract management. He because CEO and president of SIMI in 2018.

Fritts has been a member, supporter and volunteer for several state associations over the years. In addition to his involvement with NeSSA, he was a member of the New Hampshire Self Storage Association and Self Storage Association of South Carolina. He also served as president of the Connecticut Self Storage Association and director of the Massachusetts Self Storage Association.

“I am heartbroken to hear of Charlie’s passing. Charlie was a friend and prominent figure of the Northeast Self Storage Association. He gave his time and energy selflessly and without hesitation to support the self-storage industry in the Northeast,” said Jessica Lamoureux, secretary and treasurer for NeSSA. “It was an honor to serve alongside Charlie for the past 14 years. We are all better professionals for working with Charlie and his kind, calm demeanor. He will be sorely missed as a resource and dear friend.”

“If you were one of the fortunate people to have met and worked with Charlie, then you knew him to be one of the nicest persons you will ever have the privilege of encountering,” added NeSSA Vice President Steve Tranni, who’ll serve as president of the association for the reminder of the year. “He was just one of those rare people who was very low-key and would help you anytime and anywhere. Being one of the fortunate ones, I will sadly miss him and have been thinking about him since I was informed of his passing.”

Fritts is survived by his wife, Kathy, adult children Lauren Weigand Jr. and Jennifer Leman, and several grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Aug. 18 at Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home in East Amherst, New York. It’ll be followed by a “Celebration of Life Service” on Aug. 19 at Zion Lutheran Church in Clarence Center, New York. Fond memories and condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website.

NeSSA represents self-storage professionals in the Northeast. It aims to strengthen the industry by promoting professional standards and quality, and presenting a unified voice on issues affecting its members.

Sources:
LinkedIn, Charlie Fritts
Dignity Memorial, Charlie Fritts