Fred Froehlich was known as "Friendly Fred the Fuel Man" in his hometown of McKees Rocks.
For more than 30 years, Mr. Froehlich operated the Pitt Oil Co. in McKees Rocks.
Fred John Froehlich of Ben Avon died on Wednesday, April 30, 2008, in Ohio Valley Hospital. He was 88.
"Dad and his partner would buy used oil, primarily from service stations, cook it and sell it to the coal mine companies who used it as a spray to intensify the heat that emanated from the coal," said his son, Richard Froehlich of Thornburg.
"At the time, there were also numerous homes that used heating oil. Dad and his partner went from neighborhood to neighborhood to make their deliveries.
"His customers, the waitresses at the restaurants he frequented, and the tellers at the bank enjoyed his kindness and his wit. He had a kind word for everyone."
Born and raised in McKees Rocks, Mr. Froehlich was one of two children of Richard and Leona Pickens Froehlich.
In 1937, after graduating from Stowe High School, Mr. Froehlich went to work for Dravo Corp. in Neville Island.
In 1940, prior to being inducted into the service during World War II, he married Agnes Gallan, a Stowe resident.
"Although Dad was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge, he was proud to have fought for his country," said his son.
After retiring from the oil business, Mr. Froehlich joined his son, Richard, and his daughter-in-law, Linda Froehlich, in their family-owned Ace Wire and Form Co. in McKees Rocks.
"He had good office skills and worked in the office up until last December when he wasn't feeling that good," Linda Froehlich said. "The women in our office enjoyed having him working with them."
Richard Froehlich said his father had a strong work ethic.
"Dad was only 54 years old when he retired from the oil refining business," he said. "He didn't stay retired long. Two years later, he was back on the job. Although he didn't have to, Dad thought nothing of putting in seven-hour days at our company.
"And yet, as hard as he worked, Dad took time to play ball with my brothers Fred and Bob and me in our backyard when we were growing up in McKees Rocks."
Upon the death of his wife, Agnes, in 2005, Mr. Froehlich married Laverne Feist, who died last year.
In addition to son Richard, Mr. Froehlich is survived by two sons, Fred Froehlich of McKees Rocks and Robert Froehlich of Las Vegas; three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at McDermott Funeral Home Inc., 1225 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday in Holy Trinity Church, Robinson.
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