Fred Abdula, 87, of Waukegan, IL, passed away on Oct. 12, 2012, surrounded by his loving family, beloved husband of Anna Marie for 63 years; loving father of Linda (James) Considine, Patrick Abdula, Michael Abdula and Lisa Abdula; fond brother of Marlene Hunt; adoring uncle to many nieces and nephews. Born to Joseph and Valda Abdula on Aug. 22, 1925, Fred was a lifelong resident of Waukegan. He was a 1943 graduate of Waukegan Township High School. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII in the South Pacific. Through the GI Bill, he earned a BSME from the University of Illinois and began his career at Deep Freeze, Inc. and Johnson Motors in Waukegan. In 1955, his entrepreneurial spirit prompted him to start his own business, Air Con Refrigeration and Heating, Inc., a mechanical contracting firm which is now in its second generation of operation. He belonged to the Lake County Contractors Association and served as its President in 1973 and 1979. A dynamic person always looking for new challenges, Fred was elected to the Board of Directors, Bank of Waukegan (presently NorStates Bank) in 1975, in 1982 he was elected Chairman of the Board and CEO. Upon his retirement in 2011, the NorStates main facility on Lewis Avenue was designated The Honorary Fred Abdula Banking Center. In addition, a portion of Roger Edwards Avenue that leads to the Lewis Avenue facility has been dedicated as "Fred Abdula Honorary Avenue." His continued dedication and love for the community in which he lived and worked led him to become one of the prime movers in the refurbishment of the Genesee Theatre, serving on the Board of Directors since 1991. To honor his tremendously successful efforts on this project, the Genesee Theatre stage has been named for him. Over the years, Fred held many other prestigious positions, such as Director of the Waukegan/Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the First Federal Bank and CEO (1992), Board of Directors of the Waukegan Business Association (1993), Board of Directors of Vista Health Systems (2007). Fred and Anna's philanthropic endeavors were many. In 1995, a generous donation to the College of Lake County Foundation resulted in the annual Abdula Scholarship, Fred was awarded the "Gates of Jerusalem" Medal for his contributions to the community and for his efforts to strengthen Israel's economy through the Israel Bond campaign (1984), they donated funds for the purchase of police dogs for the City of Waukegan. In addition, Fred was involved in many service organizations such as The United Way, the American Legion, Elks, Lions, Kiwanis and Moose Clubs and also was a member of the Glen Flora Country Club. Over the years, many honors were bestowed on Fred, such as Financial World Magazine naming him CEO of the Year (1993) for $300M Bank, induction into the Chicago Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame (2003), Distinguished Alumnus Award by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois (2006), Patron of the Year - Waukegan Park District (2009), Grand Marshal of Waukegan's American Independence Parade (2011). Fred Abdula will be remembered by all those who knew him for his unflagging devotion to his family and friends, his outstanding business and community leadership, and his generous support and service to a great many causes. Visitation will be at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N. Cemetery Rd., Gurnee, IL on Monday, Oct. 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at 11 a.m., also at Marsh Funeral Home. Entombment will be at Northshore Garden of Memories in North Chicago. Donations in Fred's memory maybe made to the Friends of the Historic Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee, Waukegan, IL 60085.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I just heard about Fred's passing from former co-worker Bob Stone. I worked for Fred from 1986-1989 at Air Con when I first got into the the profession. He was one of my first mentors in the business. Fred's knowledge was great, but his compassion for people is what I remember the most. I last saw him around 5 years ago...I stopped in at the bank to say hello, and he remembered me! We sat and chatted for awhile about life, business and family.
My deepest condolences to the family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Fred had a big heart, and set a great example with his leadership, courage, compassion and wisdom. I am blessed having known him. May God rest his soul.
Larry Groser
December 10, 2012
I was deeply saddened when I stopped in to the bank last week and learned of Mr.Abdula's passing. I am just so so very sorry for your loss! He was such a wonderful person. You see, my mom, Marcy DeMasters was his personal secretary and V.P.for quite a few years at the Bank of Waukegan. I always remember her telling me that she would not retire until Fred did. Unfortunately, she took sick and was forced in to retirement. I know that was a very difficult time for her. She respected and admired him so much. I just wanted to let your family know what a truly wonderful man he was. He also helped me along when I returned to Illinois to be with my family. So, I am writing this not only for myself but also my dear sweet mom... She would have liked me to do this. Again, please accept my very deepest sympathies. He will be greatly missed!!
Debbie Thompson
December 3, 2012
Our deepest condolences to Ann, Linda, Lisa, Pat & Mike. Your Father was truly a unique and sincere man, and undoubtly the best friend MY Father ever had. Our lives were, and are, enriched by Fred. We all are blessed by his presence.
Mike Kreul
October 27, 2012
To the Abdula Family, I was very sad to hear about Fred's passing. He will be missed. I had the benefit of working for him back in 1987-1992 and I enjoyed my involvement with the firm. Fred was always a gentleman and very generous. My thoughts and prayers go to all of you.
Carol Passalaqua
October 25, 2012
I was so sorry to learn about Fred's death. He had a larger than life presence and contributed so much to the community. My sympathies are with all of you.
Linda Hess
October 24, 2012
October 22, 2012
My condolences and prayers are with you. Last Saturday evening, I was looking at a wedding photo of Dad and Mom (Fred and Arlene Nelson). Fred and Ann were in the photo, too. It brought back fond memories of my early childhood days. I always thought Fred was so handsome and Ann so beautiful. Fun times our families had together. Love, Julie (Nelson) Bilow
Julie Bilow
October 21, 2012
Linda, So sorry to hear about your dad. Wish we could be with you. Sending our love your way. Kathy
Rob and Kathy Makela
October 21, 2012
Sending sympathy from our family to yours.May the God of all comfort be with you in the days ahead.He will draw close to you if you draw close to him(James 4:8).
Bankston
October 21, 2012
Dear Abdula Family,
I join with so many others who knew Fred in offering my deepest sympathy on his passing. I enjoyed many years of service at Air Con and appreciated Fred as a boss who was kind, fair and very generous.
May you find peace and comfort in knowing that his loss is felt by all who knew and loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
In Sympathy,
Petar Cvitkovic & Family
Petar Cvitkovic
October 20, 2012
So sad to hear about Mr.Abdula.I will always remember his kind manor,how he really cared for people,his family and community. I waited on all of you at GlenFlora for 25 years and enjoyed every minute of it.My heart goes out to all of you now and always. I will always remember him in my heart always! Terri Alden
October 19, 2012
Our prayers and love are with the Abdula family. Mr. Abdula is resting in GOD"s perfect peace. The Anyah Family
Jane Anyah
October 19, 2012
Our prayers and love are with the Abdula family. Mr. Abdula is resting in GOD"s perfect peace. The Anyah Family
Jane Anyah
October 19, 2012
I read all the notes sent in this gueat book. What more can be said! i will miss my dear friend and always remember the times we shared together.
To you all; Linda, Micheal, Patrick & Lisa, your Dad was like a father to me, also!
Rick Grabowksi
October 18, 2012
My deepest sympathies to your entire family. I am truly sorry for your loss. In the time that I knew Fred here at Air Con he demonstrated his kindness and generosity in so many ways. Fred's passing will undoubtedly leave a lasting effect on the many, many people he has touched throughout the years including myself. I'm so very fortunate to have had the honor and pleasure to know him.
Vickie Niewerth
October 18, 2012
Our deepest sympathy goes to the Abdula family for the loss of a great man. I have known Fred for 40 years in business and with the Genesee Theatre. He was always a fair and hard worker who would help in any way that he could. He will be deeply missed.
Brian Golwitzer
October 18, 2012
We want to express our deepest sympathy to the Abdula family on their loss of a great man. I had the privilege to work for Fred for 35 years at Air Con & couldn't be more grateful. Fred's high quality standards were always top priority & he instilled a sense of pride in everything we did. Fred lead by example where hard work & common sense were key & nothing was impossible. But more impressive than his leadership was his generousity & his willingness to work with his employees through hard times & personnel issues. The flexibility he allowed me to have while working & caring for my Mom for 20 years & the Mayo Clinic appointment he arranged for her in 3 days! will never be forgotten. Behind the hard driving "marine" businessman was a huge heart & feel very fortunate to have worked close to him. We will sadly miss him but will always be thankful to have known him.
Bob & Maria Stone
October 18, 2012
My condolences to you all. Fred will be missed by many. A real Waukeganite: smart, compassionate, clever, creative and fun loving. The list goes on.
Leslie Morris
October 18, 2012
Fred was a good friend and mentor to me throughout my business career. He always had time to answer a question, always returned phone calls, and was always courteous and compassionate. My personal memories of him are many and will be treasured. The community and has suffered a loss of a creative and productive individual. My wife Esse and I offer our sincere condolences to his family.
Gary Edwards
October 17, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
The Flannery family.
Shawn, Jessica, and Jacob
Shawn Flannery
October 16, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Debi Taylor
October 16, 2012
To the Abdula Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Fred will be greatly missed, forever cherished and always remembered.
Teri Granfield
October 16, 2012
Our family extends our deepest sympathy to the Abdula family regarding their Father, and Brother, his wife, my God father and cousin , on Fred Abdula's passing. Fred was a most kind, thoughtful, and generous person. He will be always missed by all, his friends, his community. Earl, Gayle, Aaron, Adrian, and Shane Hatley. Randolph, New Jersey.
October 16, 2012
Dear Ann, Linda, Mike, Pat & Lisa,
Our family is so sorry to hear of the loss of Fred; your Husband and Dad.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you all shared, and as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sending...Deepest Sympathy and Love to your Family,
The Washburn & Gattone Family
Tom, Shirley, Bob,
Terri, Mike, Allison & Joseph
Tom & Shirley Washburn
October 15, 2012
To the Abdula Family,
I am so sad to hear about dear Fred. He was a wonderful man and I know you will all miss him dearly. Perhaps the "Chain" will help ease some of the sorrow & pain you are experiencing.
Love to you all.
Kathy
The Broken Chain
We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, The Chain will link again.
Kathy Dederich
October 15, 2012
My condolences to family and many friends of Mr. Abdula. I worked for Fred and The Bank of Waukegan for 5 years in the 90's. He led his bank with firm conviction but was always fair in his decisions. I learned much from his leadership. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Al Oller
October 15, 2012
My condolences to the family, Fred will be deeply missed by all. your in my thoughts & prayers
Cindy Zimmerman
October 15, 2012
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