Obituaries
J. Frederick Fehl
April 22, 2017
J. Frederick Fehl, son of J. Herbert Fehl and Charlotte Z. Fehl and brother to Jacob H. Fehl, Jr passed away April 22, 2017 in the hospital in his hometown of Pasadena, CA,the result of complications of a prior stroke.
Fred was a graduate of Lawrenceville Academy and later earned a degree in nuclear physics from Princeton University in 1964. He moved directly to Pasadena working for the Department of Navy on various projects to include the original Sealab Underwater Habitat, top secret work at China Lake Naval Facility and charting of the entire deep water Chilean coast line. He did additional research with the Princeton cyclotron.
After 6 years, Fred left the Navy to found Pasadena Piano Company. He had inherited his mother’s musical talent, studying piano in Lancaster under Ann Howell and Katherine Grubb. He later studied pipe organ under Reginald Lunt at First Presbyterian Church. He rebuilt, refurbished, reconstructed and tuned all types of pianos. Two interesting clients were Richard Carpenter, Karen’s brother, and Leonard Nimoy of Star Trek fame.
Fred never married but is survived by many nephews and nieces on the east coast. No services will be held.
A one of a kind non-conformist who lived way outside the box…….happily.
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Condolences to the Family
April 15, 2025
I met Fred when he was at Princeton! We hung out a lot and enjoyed the fun at Quadrangle Club! We were good friends until he graduated and moved home to Lancaster.
Carol Stockton Rankin
May 26, 2022
I meet Freddy in mt Washington he was selling a big screen TV way back in 1985 over the next 20 years we became close friends we lost contact & I Google and this came up Fred was a kind soul & modest he would always tell me about Princeton I just thought he was spinning stories the world was just a better place with you in it RIP from Jason
April 21, 2020
I met Fred in 1970-71. I was 18 and prety much homeless. Fred took me on as an apprentice at Pasadena player piano co. He was quite the interisting fellow. We became close friends. I worked for him about 2 years and learned how to tune and service pianos. I was able to make it into about a 20 year self employed piano tecknition carrier. In 1977 and 1978 I was hired by a piano rental co out of Huston Tx to take care of a 9′ Steinway concert piano that would accompany rock bands on tour. For 2 years I worked on tour with James Taylor, Burton Cummings, Crosby Stills and Nash, David Bowie, Alice Cooper and a few more that have sliped my mind. I owe this incredible experence to my friend Fred Fehl. The last time I saw Fred was around 1999. In Los Angles. I had the pleasure to thank him for his influence in my journey through this mysterious life. I was trying to find him and ran across this memorial. He was a good person who lived life to its fullest. Thanks Fred, you are missed.
Rick Browning
October 02, 2017
Just saw the obit in the Princeton Alumni Weekly. I met Freddie in June 1965 at the end of term picnic at the Princeton – Penn Accelerator where he was employed whilst on hiatus from his undergraduate career. I was then a freshman on my way to following his track toward an involuntary hiatus.
Before I was formally expelled, he ensured I got into Quadrangle — something that made it possible for me to finally graduate. In our brief acquaintance, he proved a generous and insightful friend. I wish I’d had the chance to tell him how much he’d changed my life for the better.
The obituary doesn’t hint at his astonishing, legendary exploits as an undergraduate or at how slyly funny he was in conversation. If I had to list the most memorable people I’ve met, he’d be at its top. He’d also be at the top of the list of people who influenced me.
July 18, 2017
Fred and I were clubmates at Princeton. He was beloved by all who were lucky to call him friend. My best personal memory is when, late at night after a weekend party at the club, I would walk past the Princeton chapel and hear him playing the famed pipe organ for his own pleasure. I would sit nearby, soaking in the music for a while. RIP, Fred. Joel Rudell
May 07, 2017
Lots of wonderful childhood memories with Fred! So near and yet so far away. May he rest in peace.
May 07, 2017
Jake,
Condolences on the loss of your brother.
Trudy McComsey
