Search by Name

Fred C. Abel Sr.

Fred C. Abel Sr. obituary

FUNERAL HOME

Leppert Mortuary & Crematory Services - Nora

740 East 86th Street

Indianapolis, Indiana

Fred Abel Obituary

Fred Abel

Frederick C. Abel, Sr., whose family has been in Indiana for nearly two hundred years and who always had a passion for preserving and restoring historic Indianapolis, died of cancer on Tuesday at St. Vincent Hospice. He was 76.

Born to Margaret Branson Abel and Theodore Joseph Abel on April 5, 1935, Fred was raised in the family home on Central Avenue, attended Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Cathedral High School and Culver Military Academy. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame (BS '57), and has a BFA from the Rochester Institute of Technology. After graduating from RIT, Mr. Abel returned to Indianapolis to work as a photographer for the family business, W.H. Bass Photo, which was founded in 1897. Fred worked as a commercial photographer for over 20 years, receiving state award recognition and enjoying several years as the prestigious Official Photographer of the Indianapolis 500.

Always an entrepreneur, he saw the need for a local professional color lab in Indianapolis. In searching for a home for his new business, Mr. Abel fell in love with the abandoned Fire Station 11, restored the building and established The Firehouse Colorlab in 1971. Thus began his vision for the Near Eastside Community.

Fred married Margaret Lucile Shearman on February 22, 1958. Known to her friends as Peggy, the couple formed a team that rejuvenated the East 1000 block of Washington and Market Streets, receiving awards for their work through their Restoration and Development Co. In 2008, the kindred spirits at Angie's List purchased the Firehouse Complex and created the Angie's List Campus, which continues to develop this section of the Near Eastside. Part of the sale agreement was for Mr. Abel stay on as an employee of the Henry Amalgamated Co. managing and continuing to develop the properties; a job he dearly loved.

Fred Abel is also survived by his son Frederick C. Abel, Jr., his daughter Dawn Abel DeDomenico, his seven grandchildren, his brother Gerald P. Abel and his sister Sharon Abel Lee.

Visitation will be held tonight 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel , 740 E. 86th Street. Funeral Mass Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 1530 Union Street. Burial at Crown Hill Cemetery. http://www.leppertmortuary.com

Published by The Indianapolis Star from Mar. 1 to Mar. 2, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Fred Abel

Not sure what to say?





Fred was very nice person , he will be messed

Roger Blair

February 24, 2021

Fred was kind man who treated me like i was somebody , may god reseeve him with open arms.

roger blair

March 4, 2012

Peggy

So sorry to hear about Fred! Great Guy!! May the Holy Spirit comfort you and your family.

Thinking of You Carol Mercuri

March 3, 2012

Peg,I'm sorry I just noticed I mis-wrote
the last entry is from Gary and Diana Sieg---Greensburg Indiana--again thoughts love and prayers to you and your family

Diana Sieg

March 3, 2012

Peg,FredJr.,and Dawn--I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Fred.What a wonderful boss to work for at the FIREHOUSE COLORLAB-brings back lots of good memories,doesn't it Peg? If I'd known sooner,I would have been there,I just found out tonight,know your in my thoughts and prayers--and I think of you both so often--love and prayers-
dary and Diana Sieg-Greensburg In.

March 2, 2012

Fred and I shared many a personal and professional experience with each other at Acapulco Joe's Mexican Restaurant for over the last 20 years. Fred was a Mentor to me and My Brother Tom, and he was always ready to share his life's experiences with us, over some of the best biscuits and gravy known to man. He and Peg always acted like High School Sweethearts and it was a privilege to have known him. He will be missed.
Joe Huck,
President, Williams Comfort Air.

March 2, 2012

Fred was a wonderful man. He was a great example of how a man should conduct himself morally and in dealing with the trials and tribulations of everyday life. He loved Peg and he loved the Church very much. I will miss him.

Dennis Long

March 2, 2012

Thought of you & Fred so often over the years. The wedding photos that Fred took for our daughter Lynne bring back so many beautiful memories. Bill loved working with Fred on the old firehouse, he spoke of this often. Peggy, know that I am thinking of you and yours. Diana Holt wife/widow of Bill Holt, Fred's brick mason

March 2, 2012

Our prayers continue for you Peggy, Fred, Dawn, Gerry and Sherry. I will always be grateful that the Lord blessed me to be a part of the Abel family starting in 1955. Love, Paul & Shelia Blackwell and family - Jenks, Oklahoma

March 2, 2012

I have worked at Angie's List for almost 6 years now and running in to Fred has always put a smile on my face! I will truly miss him and will keep his family in my prayers. What a wonderful man.

Kelly Scripp

March 2, 2012

I will miss Fred - He and His wife would go to the tuesday night prayer cenacle years ago.
Paul Neuendorf

March 2, 2012

I was lucky enough to get to know Fred when I worked at a lumber company downtown. Fred's spirit and energy level was contagious. When he would walk into the office he always greeted me by name and with a big smile. These are the people that have the biggest affect on my life and Fred was one of those people. He didn't know it but was one of my role models and one I wanted to be like as I aged. You were a good man Fred.

John Carter

March 2, 2012

Kathy & Gerry Abel

March 1, 2012

Fred is our daughter Hayley's God Father. My husband & I love Fred & Peggy. Fred was a truely special, unique friend. The stories he loved to share and his insight on subjects were always so entertaining. I am sure God welcomed Fred with open arms. We are going to miss our friend. May God watch over Peggy. We love you. Brian, Carol & Hayley Taylor (New Palestine,IN)

March 1, 2012

Gerry & Kathy Abel

March 1, 2012

We know Fred and Peg as members of Sacred Heart Church. A warm, friendly man who was so devoted to his wife, He will be missed at Mass and the dinners he and Peg loved to attend. Ray and Arleen Krebs

Arleen Krebs

March 1, 2012

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

Make a Donation
in Fred Abel's name

Memorial Events
for Fred Abel

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Leppert Mortuary & Crematory Services - Nora

740 East 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240

How to support Fred's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Fred Abel's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more