Obituary of Frederick E. Wahl

Elmira: Age 90, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. Fred was born January 30, 1925 in Rochester NY, a son of Jacob and Laura (Hammond) Wahl. He is predeceased by his wife Phyllis Fagan Wahl, and sisters Laura Linhos, Ruth Phielshifter, and Dorothy Storms. Fred is survived by his children with their families; John F. and Patricia Wahl of Elmira with sons, David (Olivia) and Andrew; Laura E. and Sean O'Reilly of Bay Village OH, with daughter Mary Colleen (Justin) Torkelson; Mary E. and John Briem of Elmira, with daughters, Nicole (Akinkawon) Frierson and Ann Pirozzolo; Susan M. Betancourt of Raleigh NC, with children, Manual (Alison) and Leigh; Theodore R. and LouAnn Wahl of Horseheads, with children, Alicia (Brad) Knowlden, Patrick, Theo, and Thomas; eleven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Mary Colleen "Mickey" Snyder of Rocky River OH; numerous nieces and nephews. Fred served his country during WWII as a B-24 bombardier in the US Army Air Corp. After his service he attended St. Bonaventure University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. Fred married Phyllis Fagan on October 7, 1950 in Churchville NY. He moved his young family to Elmira in 1954 when he purchased the former Elmira Lumber Company which, through time and circumstance, eventually became Wahl Construction, a company that continues to this day. A dedicated public servant Fred served as First District Councilman from 1983 to 1987. Some of his other accomplishments included….President and Chairman of the Board for the Home Builders Association of the Finger Lakes, member of the Board of Directors for the NYS Builders Association and was awarded a "Life Spike" member of the National Association of Home Builders. In 1992 Fred was appointed by Governor Mario Cuomo to participate in the Skilled Emeritus Program being singled out for his construction management skills. Fred was also an avid tennis player and enjoyed the game into his 80's. There will be no calling hours. Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial for Fred on Monday, June 29, 2015 at 11:00 a.m., Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Fred's family would like to express a special thanks to his caregivers, Annie, Carol, Michelle, and Tina who afforded him the opportunity to live out the last years of his life in a warm, caring and secure environment. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association, 3500 Winton, Suite 4, Rochester NY 14623.