In the 1980’s, the design and plan for the construction of a 25-story tower on Boylston Street was nearly complete.

That was until a Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay board member noticed something wrong with the shadow diagram for the project.

Upon review further, the board member, Fritz Casselman, was right. The proposed design would have cast a massive shadow upon the neighborhood playground.

“That’s the kind of immense care he had for the subtle stuff that doesn't get picked up by someone who wasn’t in the middle of it,” said former chair of the NABB Elliot Laffer.

Casselman died on Tuesday, September 16.

“The neighborhood has lost a really valuable advocate,” said former NABB board member Susan Prindle.

Casselman served as chair of the NABB from 1988 to 1990 and remained on the board for over two decades afterwards, offering expertise and insight on many projects.

Those who worked with Casselman agree that he was an integral part of the community, especially in the area of building development.

“He was a board member, a chair and he had a lot of involvement in developmental issues,” said Laffer. “He was a great asset to the neighborhood and he will be missed.”

Prindle said that Casselman loved to get people together for any reason, such as cleaning alleyways.

Laffer shared similar sentiment, saying Casselman was “an active participant” in the community.

Community members and loved ones gathered for memorial services on Friday, Sept. 26.

Casselman’s experience as a lawyer proved invaluable in his role with the community. He often served as a mediator between developers and residents with the wants and needs of both parties in mind.

“He was the one who would keep everyone on track legally,” said Prindle. “He was very thorough. He wasn’t afraid of getting in the weeds.”

In 2018, Casselman was the recipient of the NABB’s Mary Natale Citizenship Award for service to the community. Prindle said he was honored for his longtime service and passionate involvement on the board.

“The Mary Natale Citizenship Award is given based upon significant and sustained dedication and service to the residential interests of the Back Bay,” according to the community’s webpage.

After the turn of the century, Casselman served as the co-chair for a Citizens Advisory Committee developing guidelines for developing air rights over the Massachusetts Turnpike along with his NABB duties. He was also a member of the MGH Institutional Review Board in recent years.

On holidays like New Years Eve and Halloween, Casselman and his family would dress up in theme and celebrate with neighbors.

Laffer described him as “part of the fabric of the neighborhood.”

“I think the people who are close to him are going to miss his smile and his sense of humor,” said Prindle. “He was very principled, very people oriented, and he was determined to make the neighborhood better.”