Frederick Stilke Holderle

Frederick Stilke Holderle

Rochester: Frederick S. Holderle, 95, died January 31st, 2012, while hospitalized at Highland Hospital of a respiratory illness. He was born in Rochester, NY, on July 12, 1916, and was the eldest child of Frederick William and Rosa Stilke Holderle. Frederick was happily married for more than 68 years to Dorothy C. Boehm, originally from Brooklyn, NY, who died in October, 2010. Frederick is survived by his three daughters, Marguerite Holderle (Rochester), Betsy and John Brockway (Pawling, NY) and Dorothy and Fred Stoss (Rochester). Fred's three grandchildren include Brian and Kim Brockway (Shrewsbury, NJ), Amie and Evan Brockway-Metcalf (Burbank, CA) and Kaeti Stoss (Rochester). His five great-grandchildren include Ella and Abby Brockway, and Oscar, Arlo and Lucy Metcalf. A sister, Irene Brown and a brother, Harvey Holderle predeceased him. He is survived by a sister, Eleanor Pianforini of Brookfield, CT, a brother, Norbert Holderle of Rochester, a cousin, Marion Ginegaw of Rochester and many beloved nieces, nephews and Godchildren across the USA.

In 1935, Frederick graduated from Madison High School, Rochester, and then attended Swathmore College, in PA. As a young man, he was quite active in the Luther League of Rochester and New York State. Fred retired in 1974, as President of Holderle Brothers, Inc., a family-owned company which manufactured "Honor-Bilt" commercial stainless steel kitchens and display cases. Fred was a very active member of the Rochester community involved in Boy Scouts as a scout and later, a Board member of the Otetiana Council. In later years, with his family, he was active with the Chili Chilly Campers and Hikers Association, Chili Country Twirlers Square Dancers, as well as the Rochester Power Squadron. Fred was an early organizer, youth soccer promoter and investor of the Rochester Soccer Club, Inc. and the "Lancers". He was also a founding and devoted member of the Gates-Chili Chamber of Commerce, serving as president and historian. Our Dad was one of the oldest surviving charter members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, later the Trinity Emmanuel Lutheran Church, and held various leadership positions over the years, including his involvement with the Rochester Council of Churches. Fred was a proud member of the Royal Arch Masons, Grand Masonic Lodge of NY, ERAC Lodge F&AM, Damascus Shriners, Knights Templar, Cryptic Masons, and the Genesee York Rite College having attained the high honor of the 33rd degree. Fred and Dorothy together enjoyed events and volunteer functions of these Masonic organizations over his 75 years of involvement. Fred had many happy years of immediate and extended family get-togethers, swimming, vegetable gardening, fishing, and tinkering with his powerboat the "El-I-Mar" at his parent's cottage on Conesus Lake. He was an avid and talented photographer, both at home and on the many wonderful trips he and Dorothy enjoyed together over the years.

Frederick and Dorothy sold their family home after almost 50 years on Grenell Drive, in Chili Center, in 1998 and moved into the Village at Park Ridge in Greece, where they both experienced many satisfying golden years of companionship, activities and mini-trips. Dad continued his love of gardening there at the Village as treasurer of the Green Thumb committee. Due to health issues, Dad moved to the Episcopal Church Home, overlooking the Genesee in his beloved Rochester, last November. Our family is very grateful for the loving care and attention from Unity-At-Home aides at the Village, and the ECH staff, who assisted our Dad to fulfill his wishes of living comfortably and independently as long as possible.

Please join our family at a Memorial Service for our Dad at Trinity Emmanuel Lutheran Church, at 10:30 AM on Saturday April 28th, 2012. Interment arrangements by New Comer Funeral Home, will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery at the convenience of our family. Donations in Frederick's memory may be made to: TELC Church Memorial Fund, 761 Elmgrove Road, Rochester, New York 14624.