Frederick Specht

SPECHT, FREDERICK H.



Frederick H. Specht , 74, died Tuesday, January 13th at Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, in Gainesville, Florida, after a long battle with diabetes and Parkinson's disease.



Fred is remembered as a civic leader dedicated to community service and volunteerism. In Carlisle, PA, where he lived with his family for 40 years, he was involved in numerous activities, boards, and community groups, including St. John's Episcopal Church, Carlisle zoning board, Dickinson College, the YWCA, and Carlisle library. Of particular note was his work with the United Way, for which he served two terms as president.



After graduating from Dickinson College in 1956 with a major in political science and minor in psychology, Fred embarked on a successful career as a manager. Involved in the early stages of industry conversion to computerized operations, he served as information technology director at Carlisle Corporation and as director of information service at Carlisle Syntec. Fred retired at 55 to spend more time with family, hike the Appalachian Trail, travel, summer in Boothbay Harbor, ME, and winter in Callawassie Island, SC.



Friends and family also remember Fred for his competitive streak in all things, especially sports. In high school and college, Fred lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. In later life tennis became his passion and he was accomplished enough that professional tennis players sought him out for practice. Music was Fred's other passion. He sang with Dickinson College Glee Club, he joined his son Fred, Jr. in the St. Stephen's men and boy's choir, and was a founding member of chorus at Oak Hammock.



Fred was predeceased by his son Fred, Jr. of Carlisle, PA, his parents Lela J. and William A. Specht, and his sister Barbara J. Specht, all of Millersburg, PA. Fred is survived by his wife, Mary Stuart Specht of Gainesville, FL., brother, William A. Specht, Jr. ; children Linda Specht of Fairfax, VA, currently serving in foreign service as PRT officer Camp Taji, Iraq, Susannah Bender of Salt Springs, FL, and Barbara J. Myers of Glen Rock, PA. Fred has four grandchildren - Iain F. Specht of Gainesville, FL, William F. Myers of Glenrock, PA, Rudi P. Bottse of Dakar, Senegal, and Mary-Stuart Myers of Glenrock, PA.



A Memorial Celebration will be held on Sunday, February 15th from 2:30-4:00 pm in the Oak Room at Oak Hammock. Interment will be in Carlisle, PA, on a date to be announced later.



Arrangements are under the care of WILLIAMS-THOMAS DOWNTOWN FUNERAL HOME 404 NORTH MAIN STREET.



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