Frederick Charles Pflieger passed away on September 8, 2020 at the age of 91. His large, adoring family will remember him as a strong, kind, generous man of intellect, musicianship, curiosity and deep love of family. Fred was the devoted husband of Kathleen for 69 years. She preceded him in death by a week.. He was the proud father of Barbara Mory (Tom) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Debbie Bartle (Gary) of Midlothian, Virginia, Kurt Pflieger of Rockwall, Texas, and Gretchen Huebner (Glenn) of West Chester, Pennsylvania. He was the loving Papa of Josh Mory, Jenna Mory Aubuchon, Kenna Bartle, Charles Pflieger, Chad Pflieger, Heather Huebner Cook, and Andrew Huebner His great-grandchildren Ryan and Morgan Aubuchon and Aiden Cook brought him joy. Fred was the dutiful and loving first-born son to Frances and Charles Pflieger and the big brother to David and Martin.
Fred was a friend and inspiration to many people. He was present for his family and friends in so many ways. His strength of character was evident throughout his entire life and never more so than during the past six months of his life. He was fiercely loyal to his wife and family. He led a virtuous life, exemplifying the qualities of caring, fidelity, honor, responsibility and integrity, topped off with a ready hug and a twinkle in his eye.
Fred was a lifelong learner and made the most of his time in the world. As a young man, he was involved with Scouting, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He began honing his interest in music, studying voice and trumpet. His love of music propelled him through studies in voice and music education. During his college studies at West Chester State, he met and fell in love with Kathleen (Honey). They married and began their family. He became a music educator, working primarily as a university professor at West Chester State College (now University). He earned a PhD in music at West Virginia University, reveling in academia and excelling in performance. As a faculty member of the School of Music at West Chester University , Dr. Pflieger was responsible for the creation of the jazz program of study. He delighted in that music form and he and Kathleen attended many annual national jazz educators’ conferences.
He was an explorer with his beloved Kathleen, beginning with family camping trips with their family of six, going coast-to-coast in a VW bus, setting up the tent in many national parks. Seven weeks of camping in Europe during the 1960s opened up the world to them and their children. After retirement, Fred and Kathleen visited all of the continents and participated in a variety of adventures, including cycling in Morocco, France and the Netherlands, whale watching in Hawaii, birdwatching in Mexico, travel to China, Japan, New Zealand , Australia, the Galapagos, Russia, Egypt, Antarctica, Costa Rica and many more. They also continued to travel with their children and grandchildren for many years.
Fred earned his license to pilot small planes and spent seventeen years flying his Cherokee Arrow with his co-pilot Kathleen over much of the Eastern United States. After raising their family in West Chester, Pennsylvania , Fred and Honey retired to Ocean Pines where they enjoyed the water views from their beautiful homes. They both derived much enjoyment from cycling, swimming, playing tennis, and making new friends in Ocean Pines. Here, they graciously and frequently welcomed visits of family and friends.
After retirement, Fred shared his beautiful tenor voice through solo concerts, organized by Kathleen. He performed in their community of Ocean Pines and later at Willow Valley. He was a proud member of the Lancaster Chamber Singers as well as Musical Associates in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, welcoming the challenge of singing rigorous music until the last year of his life.
His final performance was a birthday concert lovingly given for the occasion of Kathleen’s 90th birthday in February 2020.
With his cherished Kathleen, Fred made his final home in their beloved community of Willow Valley Communities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where they spent ten happy years, forging new friendships while continuing to enjoy their family and old friends. During the past six months, he had experienced a number of challenges to his health. His family is grateful for the care he received at The Glen at Willow Valley Communities.
His big Papa hugs , warm smile, and loving spirit will be greatly missed. In Fred’s memory, please love your family and friends, give big hugs and make the most of every day.
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation in his name, please consider a donation to Camphill Village Kimberton Hills https://www.camphillkimberton.org/why-give or your local NPR station.
We have created a memorial site for Fred. Please share your memories, stories, and photos of him at https://www.forevermissed.com/frederick-charles-pflieger
Caroline and Charlie Homentowski
We are sorry Kathleen and Fred had to leave us. Your devotion to both of them is appreciated by their friends. It shows the love that you all had for them. They will be missed by many. We wish you peace .
Sincerely,
Caroline and Charlie
Stephen Caldwell
I am so very sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. He was quite the scholar and gentleman. Always an interesting conversation to be had.
Marie Curry
Fred and Kathleen became dear friends almost as soon as they arrived at Willow Valley. My late husband Bryson and Fred shared a love of classical music . Both of them performed widely in the Lancaster area. Charming, debonair, witty, loving Fred will be keenly missed.