Walter B. Fries

Fries, Walter B., 84, passed away on October 21st at his home in Deer Creek, Deerfield Beach, FL, surrounded by his loving family, relatives and friends. Walter is survived by his wife of 60 years, June Mc Carron Fries, four sons, Gregory, Timothy, Christopher (Ivia), Michael (Susan) and six grandchildren. Walter was born October 8, 1919 in Clinton, WI, was an Eagle Scout, decorated World War II veteran and retired as C.E.O. and president of a major financial institution in Miami, FL and was a Florida resident for 45 years. Walter attained Eagle Scout at the age of 15 and entered, World War II as a private, emerging as a Captain in Patton's Third Army. He served two tours of duty in the European theatre. He was severely wounded in Nancy, France and was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. On recovery from his wounds and discharge from the Armed Forces, Walter served with National Bank Examiners in the Midwest for 6 years. Overall, Walter spent 45 years in commercial banking rising from a bank messenger to President and C.E.O. of a dominant South Florida Bank and holding company, The Central Banks and The Central Bancorp Inc. He served in retirement as a Consultant to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Resolution Trust Corporation. Among his civic duties, he was president of North Shore Little League, 25 years of perfect attendance with Kiwanis, president of Biscayne Blvd. Association, president Committee of 100, V.F.W., board member of Salvation Army and president of Deer Creek Homeowners Association. He helped establish two Catholic Churches in Florida, and ushered at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Deerfield Beach for over 20 years. Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 22nd from 7 P.M. - 9 P.M. with a vigil service at 8 P.M. Mass will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church on Thursday, October 23rd at 9:30 A.M. Local arrangements under the direction of: KRAEER-BECKER FUNERAL HOME 217 E. Hillsboro Boulevard Deerfield Beach, FL (954)427-5544.