Fred was born in Dennison, Ohio on October 1st, 1931. His parents were Ludwig Emmanuel Fondriest and Eva Porotti Fondriest.

He graduated from St. Mary’s School in Dennison and went on to Purdue University where he graduated with a degree in civil engineering. He worked for the Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio while pursuing a law degree from Capital University, with assistance from the GI bill. He later went on to work for Martin Marietta and the Portland Cement Association where he helped design many bridges and dams and lead research in concrete engineering. He then moved to Amoco Oil Company becoming Chief of Patents and Licensing which gave him the opportunity to travel the world; he enjoyed visiting Russia, Asia and many cities and sites throughout Europe. He was also a pioneer in alternative energy sources and was awarded two U.S. Patents for processes that are widely used to this day. He was a life-long learner and capped his business education with an Advanced Management Program Degree from Harvard Business School.

Fred met Susanna Fall while at Purdue and they married on October 5th, 1954 in Dennison, Ohio, while he was on a three-day leave from the Army. Immediately after their wedding he was shipped off to Germany. Although he was not enthusiastic for his draft duties, he thoroughly enjoyed exploring the wine country and castles in Germany. After his service, he began his long career in law and engineering. His various work assignments took the family to live in Columbus, OH and Lake Forest, IL. He and Sue also travelled to Europe with their family many times.

Fred and Sue fell in love with Maine during annual vacation visits beginning about 1980. They retired to New Harbor after they built their house on Yellowhead in 1991. During the years following he was an avid reader, especially history, and also had an interest in bookbinding so that he could restore some of his prized editions. He was also an accomplished furniture maker, designing and making many pieces in his basement woodshop. He truly was a Renaissance man.

He enjoyed regular lunch and dinner gatherings with his group of friends at Samoset Restaurant, The Cupboard Café and the Long Cove Point Association. He also enjoyed Christmas and other holiday’s with family at his home and travelled last to Sicily with his friend of 80 years, Rick Green, and his family. He was also planning one last trip down the Rhine river to see his favorite castles again.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Sue, in 2007, after 53 wonderful years of marriage.

Survivors include daughter, Julie Fondriest and wife Christina Grass of Round Pond; sons, Dr. James F. Fondriest of Lake Forest IL, and Frederick F. Fondriest of Pleasant Hill CA; daughter-in-law, Dr. Diane Fondriest of Lake Forest, IL; grandchildren, Lauren, Doug, Jackson, Eric and Sara Fondriest; brother, Dick Fondriest and wife Nancy of Columbus, OH and sister Carol Chiu of Columbus, OH.

The family will greatly miss sitting around the table with Fred sharing wonderful meals, listening to his stories and hearty laughs, and his love for us all. He was a big presence in all of our lives.

A Remembrance Open House will be held from 3-5pm at his home, 16 Yellowhead Road in New Harbor, on Friday, May 15th. Friends and family are invited to come join us as we celebrate his life.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME. Condolences and messages for the family may be expressed by visiting www.stronghancock.com.

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