Dr. Frederick Eugene "Fred" Soller

Youngstown- Dr. Frederick "Fred" Eugene Soller, Sr., 98, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, September 26, 2024 in Medina, Ohio.

Fred was born August 30, 1926 in Youngstown, Ohio, a second generation of immigrants from Germany. He was preceded in death by parents, Karl John Soller and Mary Ewing Soller; siblings, Karl Ewing Soller, Ann Soller MacLean, and John Carsten Soller; and wife Margaret “Sis” Ruchhoft Soller. Fred is survived by children, Fred “Derf,” Jr. (Terri), Tod Soller Pennell (Mike, Dec.) and Susan Soller Terpay (Jamie); and grandsons, Dan Soller, Kevin Soller, and Tyler Pennell.

Fred attended South High School in Youngstown, where he lettered in football and basketball, and participated in American Legion’s Buckeye Boys State. He graduated in 1944 and soon after was drafted into the United States military. Fred enlisted in the United States Navy and served as Quartermaster on the USS Carter Hall (LSD-3) in the Pacific Theater from 1944 until being honorably discharged in 1946. Fred was extremely proud of his service in the U.S. Navy and grateful for the life lessons and humility his service instilled in him.

After serving in WWII, Fred attended Miami University in Oxford Ohio. He was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950. He met Margaret “Sis” Ruchhoft and they were married in 1951. After attending Miami, Fred considered becoming a brew master and spent time in St. Louis, Missouri investigating that potential career path. Fortunately, he chose dentistry. Fred attended The Ohio State University School of Dentistry in Columbus, Ohio, which included a 1-year residency at Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and earned his DDS in 1955.

Fred and his brother, Karl Soller, opened their private dental practice, Soller & Soller, DDS, Inc., in 1955. In addition to his brother, he was fortunate to work alongside his niece, Hillary Soller (Scoggin), and nephew, Mark Soller, who partnered with his father and uncle. After 50 years of practice, Fred retired at the end of 2005. He had a true passion for his profession and valued his office staff and patients. Professional organization memberships included Croydon Palmer Dental Society (Secretary 1978-1979, President 1980-1981; 50-year member), Ohio State Dental Association (First District Representative Council on Dental Education 1981-1987) and the American Dental Association. 

Fred was elected to the Mahoning County Board of Education in 1966 and served on the Board with distinction for 32 years. He served as Vice President in 6 non-consecutive years and as President in 7 non-consecutive years. Fred also served with distinction on the Mahoning County Joint Vocational School Board (Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, Canfield, Ohio) from 1967 through 1997. Fred shared his sound judgment and guidance during the construction and opening of the MCJVS.

Fred was also a long-standing member of the Boardman, Ohio chapter of Rotary International. He served as President from 1984 to 1985 and received the honorary Paul P. Harris Fellowship Award for outstanding service to the community and Rotary’s many causes. Rotary, its missions and relationships with fellow Rotarian,s were true passions and life dedications. Other civic organizations include The Four Square Club, Greater Youngstown Area Chamber of Commerce, YMCA Camp Fitch Board of Management (past president), Miami University Alumni Association, Ohio State University Alumni Association, Boardman Youth Center, American Legion, Forest Lawn Memorial Park (past trustee), and Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio (50-year award recipient).

After retiring in 2005, Fred focused on his family and favorite activities of playing golf, bowling, and growing corn, tomatoes, and other vegetables. He traded in his title of “Dr. Fred” for “Farmer Fred.” Fred was able to enjoy rounds of golf into his 90’s at Mill Creek Park and many other courses around the state and country.

Fred was a proud man with a strong faith, which developed as a young boy through family and during the course of his life as a proud member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Youngstown. Fred was an amazing man and was loved by his family, many friends, and colleagues. With an unselfish heart, deep integrity and faith, and modest humility, Fred will truly be missed by his family and the many he touched.

Friends will be received on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home in Boardman from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., followed by a memorial celebration of his life beginning at 12:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred’s honor to the Boardman Rotary Foundation, c/o in memory of Dr. Fred Soller, P.O. Box 3114, Boardman, Ohio 44512.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences.