Frederick Halik D.D.S.

Halik, Frederick J., D.D.S.

Fairport: Fred loved his life. He had a zeal for both professional and personal pursuits, and accomplished more than most. His community impact was immeasurable, and his individual achievement and dedication to duty were exemplified throughout his life. Indeed, Fred was larger than life. Our community lost a true gentleman and treasure April 27, 2016 at age 93.

Dentistry came naturally to Fred. He followed his father into the profession. He graduated from West High School, the University of Rochester and the University of Buffalo School of Dentistry. After serving a tour of duty as a captain in the Army-Air Corps Dental Corps, he earned a certification in periodontology at Columbia University. He then returned to Rochester as the first licensed periodontist in the area. Early in his career, Fred was elected president of the Monroe County Dental Society. Soon, he sought out and began serving in nearly every executive position available at the local, state and national levels including: president of the Seventh District Dental Society; president of the New York State Dental Association, chairman, NYSDA Council on Membership; Sec.-Treas., Rochester Council of Scientific Societies; president of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and president and executive director of the Foundation of the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

Also in organized dentistry, he was a member of the Board of Governors of DSSNY; a delegate to the ADA; member of the ADA 2nd District Caucus Steering Committee; founding member and officer in the Mid-West Society of Periodontology; member of the American College of Dentists; the International College of Dentists; and the American College of the History of Dentistry. Fred was also very active in the Rochester Rotary Club, Northfield Lodge No. 426 of the Masonic Order, and the Damascas Temple of the Shrine.

During his career, he was an associate professor of Clinical Dentistry at the UR School of Medicine and Dentistry; senior attending dentist at Strong Memorial Hospital and a consultant at Rochester General Hospital, the Eastman Dental Center and the VA Hospitals at Canandaigua and Bath. In the field of forensic dentistry, he was a consultant to the Monroe County Medical Examiner, a Fellow in the American Academy of Forensic Science and wrote papers and lectured on forensic odontology. Fred authored numerous publications and was the founding editor of The Articulator.

Fred has been recognized for many accomplishments. Among his awards are, the Award of Merit from the Rochester Academy of Medicine, The Pierre Fauchard Academy New York State Section Honor Award, The Harvey Burkhardt Award from NYSDA, the BSA Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope awards, and the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award. Fred leaves behind a legacy of continued recognition having established the Frederick J. Halik Young Dentist Award given annually from the Seventh District Dental Society.

Fred's personal life was as full and rewarding as his professional undertakings. In addition to an active family, Fred enjoyed photography, amateur radio (K2EU), tennis, squash and swimming, and was a licensed airplane pilot. He played clarinet in several area bands, served as president of the Irondequoit Concert Band, district governor of Gyro, and was an active participant in the Boy Scouts of America as a youth and adult leader. Fred also served as a councilman for the Town of Rush and on the Rush-Henrietta Central Schools Board of Education.

Fred is survived by daughter, Dr. Sherrie Bernat (Robert Smith) of Buffalo; son, Jeffrey (Dr. Lynne) Halik; grandchildren, Dr. Sara (Christian Delisle) and Rebecca Bernat, Matthew (Carole) and Brian Walker, Wendy and Scott Halik; great grandchildren, Julian and Sophia Delisle, Hannah and Isabelle Walker; niece, Kathy (Carmen) Volo; nephews, Stephen (Mary), Frederick (Cathy) and David Halik, along with close companion, Jeanne Morgan. He is predeceased by his wife, Mildred "Woodie;" daughter, Beverly Walker; brother, Wilbur "Bill" Halik and sister, Constance Schaffer.

Friends may call Monday 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the funeral chapel (2305 Monroe Ave.). Friends are invited to bring a written memory or photo for the family's Memory Book. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, 11 AM at Fairport United Methodist Church, 31 W. Church St. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Seneca Waterways Council Boy Scouts of America, 2320 Brighton Henrietta Town Line Rd., Rochester, NY, 14623 or Rochester Rotary Charitable Trusts, 180 Linden Oaks, Suite 200, Rochester, NY, 14618. To share a memory of Frederick or send condolence to the family visit www.anthonychapels.com.