Frederick Filbert

Former Reading resident Frederick L. Filbert, 63, died April 24, 2010, at the Compassionate Care Hospice in Dover, N.J., after a brave fight with cancer. He was a resident of Morris Plains, N.J.

Fred was born Jan. 9, 1947, the only son of Florence and Leroy W. Filbert of Birdsboro. He was a descendant of noted Birdsboro residents Frank and Mary Salvati, who immigrated to America from Rome, Italy.

Fred attended Birdsboro Elementary School from 1952 to 1958 and Northwest Junior High School in Reading from 1958 to 1961. He graduated from Reading Senior High in 1964 with honors and awards for his artistic talent. He was a member of the Workshop Players theatrical group and the activities committee. His lively personality and humor are vividly remembered by his colleagues.

Following high school graduation, Fred entered the United States Navy in 1964. During his six years in the Navy, he served at Great Lakes, San Diego, Bethesda Naval Hospital, Twenty-Nine Palms and Okinawa. His naval experience brought him to the level of an accomplished medical illustrator. He was trained under the tutelage of Naval Corpsman R.A. Rydberg, who created the Kennedy assassination graphics. Fred was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1970.

Returning to Reading in 1970, Fred began a 32-year career with General Public Utilities, where he was active in graphics, training and managed GPU's first Web site. Fred was a well-known member of GPU's golf leagues and winner of many company tournament events. In 1993, Fred relocated to Morris Plains, N.J., where he continued his career with GPU subsidiary New Jersey Central Power & Light until his retirement in 2002.

In 1975, Fred met his lifelong partner of 35 years, Stephen Norris. On May 4, 2007, they were united in a civil union ceremony in Morristown, N.J. Over the years of their life together, Fred and Steve shared in the enjoyment of friends and family, home life and extensive travel. They often entertained at home, showcasing Fred's love and talent for cooking and hilarious mimicry of Julia Child.

Fred was celebrated for his talent as a watercolorist and his paintings reflect an appreciation for American Colonial architecture, Renaissance detail and, above all, the grandeur of the French Court of Louis XVI. Indeed, one of his favorite films was the 1938 version of "Marie Antoinette." He could quote many lines and witticisms from the film at will. His skill as a conversationalist and raconteur of history and anecdotes is well remembered by all who knew him.

Fred is survived by his civil union spouse, Stephen Norris, Morris Plains, N.J. He is also survived by his aunt, Jenny Seifert, and her son, Eugene, and his family, all of Birdsboro.

Gratitude and thanks to close friends Margaret Yevics, Philip Mangiafridda, Michael Alois, Douglas Howe, Richard Depippo, David Green, John Behr, Carolyn, Robert and Ilya Roberts, Mr. & Mrs C.A. Norris, Cindi and Kevin Caddell, Scott and Milli Norris, Cherrye Small, Glenn Ratkowski, Dennis Biehl, Rachel Fogel and Karen Walsh.

Trusting, loving, kind and endearing, Fred leaves his handprint on our hearts. He lives on within us all.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, April 29, 2010, at Immaculate Conception Church in Montclair, N.J., where Fred was a parishioner.