Richard Samuel “Dick” Frederick, 84, died October 15, 2015. He was born June 15, 1931 to Frank Frederick and Sarah (Swisher) Frederick, the ninth of 10 children, in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania.
The family was left with no resources and moved in with grandparents, Samuel and Mary Frederick. The 10th child was born there.
The family later moved to a large farmhouse near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania where Dick grew up. The family worked as sharecroppers.
Dick attended a 1 room schoolhouse from grade 1 through 8, then 4 years at Punxsutawney High School where he graduated in 1949.
Dick chose his career, as a Piano Technician/Tuner when he was about 14 years old. After high school, Dick attended Harmony School of Piano Tuning at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, graduating on February 10, 1950. He worked at his trade until April 1951 when he joined the Navy. Dick attended Sonar School and served 3 years aboard the USS Osberg, DE538.
Dick met the love of his life, LaRue Pierce in September 1950. They were married on March 18, 1953.
After being discharged from the Navy, Dick and LaRue moved to New Jersey where Dick worked at Bell Telephone Laboratories as an engineering aide for seven years in the field of sound analysis.
In 1962, Dick returned to his career in Piano Service for 9 years.
In 1971 the family (now 5 children) moved to Fort Collins where Dick continued his piano service career for 42 years, completing over 50 years in the work he loved.
Dick is survived by his wife, LaRue; five children, Thomas of Laporte, Kerry (deceased), Kathy of Windsor, Brenda of Ault and Eric of Fort Collins; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. Preceding Dick in death are his parents and one son, Kerry.
Dick’s passions were his family, his work, woodworking, fishing, hunting, gardening, camping, prospecting and genealogy.
Dick believed that he was always lucky as if a guardian angel sat on his shoulder. Wherever he went there was always an opportunity awaiting.
A Funeral Service will be held at Bohlender Funeral Chapel on Monday at 10 am. Interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery. Those who desire may view Mr. Frederick, Sunday from 2 to 4 pm at Bohlender Funeral Chapel.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Ft. Collins, CO 80524. Friends may send condolences to the family at bohlenderfuneralchapel.com.
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