- Date Of Birth: April 4, 1929
- Date Of Death: January 12, 2022
- State: Maryland
Frederick H. Puhl
Frederick “Fred” H. Puhl of Essex, Md., died peacefully at home on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022 with his wife, Miriam, by his side.
Frederick H. Puhl was born April 4, 1929 to the late Frederick Sr. and Edna Marie (Colwell) Puhl, in Baltimore. He grew up in the Gardenville area of Baltimore and attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute before graduating from Baltimore City College High School in 1948.
Fred married the former Miriam Palmer on April 19, 1970. A previous marriage ended in divorce. Besides his wife, Fred is survived by a daughter, Dawn (Michael) Quinn, and a son, Jeff (Julie) Puhl a grandson, Christopher Puhl, granddaughters Kimberly (Stephen) Shaw of Christina (Michael) Joseph and Jennifer (Jason) Ralph and great-grandchildren Jacob Shaw, Connor Shaw, Wyatt Joseph, Brooke McBane and Brayden Ralph. Besides his parents, a sister, Marian Ricketts, preceded him in death.
A lifelong resident of the Baltimore area, Fred was a pillar of his local community. Nearly everyone in his life, from family and friends to colleagues and neighbors, benefited from his limitless generosity and kindness. Throughout his life, Fred always put the needs of others ahead of his own in many different ways.
On an August afternoon in 1971, Fred and Miriam had been caught in a flash flood with their family near Essex. After getting their relatives—as well as other victims—to safety in an abandoned store nearby, Fred and Miriam left the shelter and risked their lives to find help. They “swam and prayed” and eventually found a motorist with a large boat, which they used throughout the night to rescue more than 20 people who had been caught in the storm. This flash flood which was widely covered in the media at the time was one of Maryland’s worst natural disasters as it ultimately claimed 17 lives. For his heroism and bravery, Fred received an award from the Red Cross.
Fred’s dedication to others extended into his professional life as well.
Fred was incredibly generous with his spare time to a number of worthwhile organizations throughout the Baltimore area. In particular, he was active in the Gardenville and Overlea chapters of the Lions’ Club. Besides assuming various leadership positions and chairing different events, Fred volunteered in several activities to help the blind. He was instrumental in collecting eyeglasses for children and driving people with visual impairments to doctor’s appointments.
Fred, who had a rare blood type (AB), also supported his community by frequently donating blood. In addition, he volunteered at the Middle River Fireworks Fundraising Committee, the Bowleys Quarters Improvement Association and the Rockaway Beach Improvement Association. Fred also was a member of Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Baltimore for more than 50 years, and more recently a member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Bowleys Quarters, Md.
As an original member of the Eastern Yacht Club after its relocation to Seneca Road, and the Veterans Yacht Club, Fred never missed an opportunity to tell a joke, flirt with a pretty lady or dance the night away. His smile and his laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
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Saturday January 22nd
Service at 11 am
Doors will open at 10 am for a meet and greet time
Light refreshments to follow
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church
3620 Red Rose Road
Baltimore, MD 21220
Lion’s Club of Overlea Incorporated
38 Stirrup Court
Baltimore, MD 21208
OR
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church
3620 Red Rose Road
Baltimore, MD 21220
