Frederick S. Smeltzer

Frederick (Fred) Smeltzer, 79 passed away peacefully Tuesday morning June 18 at home surrounded by cherished family. Fred was born on November 12,1944 in Philadelphia to William and Kathryn (Schramm).

He was a proud resident of Roxborough, Manayunk and Blue Bell Hill his entire life. Fred graduated from Roxborough High School in 1963, where he excelled at football, garnering all-star honors his senior year. Upon graduation, Fred entered the United States Air Force where he served four distinguished years. When Fred's tenure in the service ended, he was employed at Boeing in Eddystone, PA working on helicopters for the Vietnam war effort. During this period, Fred married the love of his life Rosemarie(Delloso) who he was faithfully devoted for over 56 years. This union produced three children, Chris (Alice), John (Jennifer), and Maria (Raymond).


Fred was an attentive father who did his best to attend every meaningful event. Vacations at the Jersey shore or Marshall's Creek, PA and trips to Marble Hall were always highlights of the summer. Fred was concerned that his three children were happy, safe and had the things they wanted. He took the responsibility of being a father and provider seriously and that was manifested in Smeltzer Electric, his side business that he ran for over 25 years.

Fred was employed at Germantown Hospital and then the Philadelphia Gas Works until his retirement. Fred made lifelong friendships at the places he worked and cherished each one. Fred loved the camaraderie that was built with the men he worked closely with and this was the aspect he would discuss when talking about his career reflectively in
retirement.

Fred was a doting Grandfather, known as "P" to Jack, Erin and MacKenzie. His patience and kindness were on display watching him interact with his grandchildren. He loved making people laugh and providing humor in anxious situations. He played Santa Claus for almost twenty years at the Roxborough YMCA and looked forward to meeting and talking with the little ones. As forceful and imposing as he could be, he had a wonderful way with children that enabled him to connect almost immediately. This was evident in coaching pee wee
baseball and football. Fred cherished coaching and watching the kids learn a concept. He couldn't wait for football season to start and spent many chilly nights under the lights at Daisy Field coaching young Wissahickon Braves players.

In later years, Fred enjoyed his retirement by spending time on his boat, whether on the water or in the driveway. He loved everything about boating and anything to do with fishing and was especially proud to be outfished by one of his children or grandchildren. Fred also loved his daily chats with the dogs in the neighborhood, making sure that treats were always purchased and readily available when one of his canine pals would stop for some pets.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude  or Wounded Warrior Project.

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