Fred Fishback

Fred Fishback, citizen of the cosmos, passed away of natural causes on May 26, 2024 on his 95th trip around the sun, as he liked to say. Born on October 7, 1929, to Juanita and Trammel Fishback in Harrisonburg, Virginia, he led an exemplary life and cared deeply about making the world around him better for all. Whether designing a house for a family, a home for a civic organization, or giving generously to the people he met, he could always be counted on to put forth his uncompromised best in whatever he was doing. He was a loving and caring husband, father, brother, and grandfather and leaves a legacy of a good deeds and civic engagement for all his family to follow. Fred graduated in 1953 from the University of Virginia School of Architecture where he was top of his class and received the AIA medal for Architectural Excellence. After a summer of study at the American School in Fontainebleau, France, Fred joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Devens Massachusetts, where he met his wife of more than 60 years, Paula Marie Twomey. Fred and Paula moved to Annapolis in 1956 where Fred worked with a small firm that later grew into RTKL Associates, headquartered in Baltimore. During his 16 years at RTKL, he became the Director of Technical and Quality control and worked on many significant projects. He was most fond of his time as the project site architect for the construction of the Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold. Fred left RTKL and became a partner in several Annapolis based firms. Over the following 40 years, he designed countless home and notable buildings throughout the Annapolis area. From owners and developers to builders and tradespeople, Fred would always engage with anyone to discuss architectural ideas and share his latest thoughts on life and his pursuit of the truth. Fred was exceedingly close to his brother Jim and they shared an avid interest in flying from an early age, although it wasn't until he was in his 60's that he took lessons and got his private pilot's license. Fred played the trumpet, sang with the Annapolis Chorale, and loved to play tennis. His most favorite pastime was to walk the streets of Annapolis with his dog Keiko meeting and greeting old friends and new visitors as an unofficial ambassador of his adopted hometown. Fred was a member of the Rotary Club and spent many years leading the planning and setup of the annual Crab Feast. He also volunteered for multiple organizations over the years, including the Building Boards of Appeals, Colonial Players, Hammond Harwood House, The Key School and The West Annapolis Civic Association. Fred was predeceased by his wife, Paula, and his brother, James. He is survived by three sons: James (Grace), Bryan (Diana) and John, four grandchildren: Bryan (Jennifer), Andrew (Molly), Max, Ana and four great grandchildren: June, Kali, Annie and Henry. A family visitation will be held on June 2, 2024 at the Hardesty Funeral Home at 12 Ridgely Ave, in Annapolis, MD from 5PM to 7PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake.