Frederick Wesley Freibott

Frederick Wesley Freibott

Frederick Wesley Freibott, age 78, of Wilmington, DE, died on October 19, 2011, surrounded by his family. He was the son of the late Frederick Freibott and his wife Alice W. Freibott of Port Monmouth, NJ.

Fred graduated from The Peddie School, Hightstown, NJ, where he was elected to the Peddie School Athletic Hall of Fame. He received a BS in Physical Education from the University of Delaware where he was a member of the swim and track teams. During his early career as a swimmer there, Fred set many pool records and won many post season championships in the 50 and 100 yard freestyle events. Fred interrupted his college career to serve his country for 2 years in Korea in the Army Security Agency. During this time he was a member of the All-Army Swim Team, participating in Army meets and earning his way to the Olympic Trials in California. Upon his return to the University of Delaware to complete his degree, he continued his award winning career. He was elected captain of the swim team in 1958 and 1959. In recognition of his successes, he was presented with the Hugh Dougherty Swim Award and the University of Delaware Medallion for Excellence in his sport. UD Swim Coach Emeritus, Harry Rawstrom, was quoted in the News Journal as saying of Fred Freibott, " He was my most talented swimmer in terms of natural speed." Fred also earned an MS in Physical Education from West Chester University.

In 1959 Fred was hired by The Tatnall School by Head Mistress Josephine Myers. While there he served as a teacher of physical education, chair of the physical education department, Director of Athletics, and coach of numerous athletic teams. Fred was proud of all the teams that he coached, but was especially proud of his 1981 football team which was the first Tatnall team to play in the annual Division II Delaware State Football Tournament. He also taught at the Bancroft School, Wilmington, DE, and was the Newark High School Swim Coach from 1985-1988.

Fred held a longstanding position at the Wilmington Country Club, Wilmington, DE. Hired in 1962 as Pool Manager, Aquatic Director, and Junior Activities Director, Fred coached his swim team to many championships and was loved by his swimmers and divers.

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his sister, Jean E. Penrose.

Fred is survived by his wife of 53 years, Martha Getz Freibott. He is also survived by his children, Allison F. Reese, Amy F. Parker, and Frederick S. Freibott and his wife Elaine; his grandchildren Caroline K. and Lindsay W. Reese, Ashley E. and Bradley D. Parker, Christina E. and Frederick J. Freibott; and his great-grandchild Benjamin. Also surviving are his nieces Susan and Joanne Penrose. Other members of his family include Carol Getz Tucker and her husband Jack; nieces Martha T. Goldner and family, Anne T. Searle and family, Susan T. May and family, Linda Getz Handling and her husband Keith; nephews Matthew A. Handling and family, Thomas A. Handling and family; and niece Andrea B. O'Donnell and family.

Fred was an Eagle Scout as a young man, a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, a member of the Hiram Masonic Lodge, Kappa Alpha fraternity, a Master Swimmer and was affiliated with the American Red Cross since 1942. A member of many professional associations and committees, he contributed immeasurably to his field. He was an outdoor sportsman, enjoyed any and all athletic events, but most of all he loved being with his family.

His family is grateful for the loving care offered to Fred by the staff during his stay at the the Franciscan Care Center with special thanks to Christine Loeffler. In addition they would like to thank the Compassionate Care and Delaware Hospice staff. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Delaware Altzheimer's Association, Compassionate Care Hospice, Delaware Hospice, or the Franciscan Care Center.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, October 27, at 11 am at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1108 North Adams Street at Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilmington, DE, to be followed by a reception at Vicmead Hunt Club.

For online condolences, please visit
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