Frederick Hany Obituary

Frederick C. Hany

Jul 14, 1928 - Apr 11, 2024

Port Orange, FL

Frederick C. "Fred" Hany, 95, of Port Orange, Florida, and formerly of Catawba Island, passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024.

He was born July 14, 1928, in upstate New York, the only child of John and Lucy R. (Herzig) Hany.

Graduating high school at age 16, Fred headed to college, where he formed a 16-piece Jazz band. He devoted too much time and attention to his band that his first college experience didn't work out well for either the college or Fred.

He was an U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and participated in USO shows while in Korea. Fred relates that during one show, the war stopped, a momentary ceasefire as the enemy too, listened to the show. He could see the Chinese camp fires, but there was no shooting. A well-played trombone can be a formidable weapon!

After returning from his stint in the Army, Fred graduated from Syracuse University (Magna Cum Laude), attended General Electric School of Management, and began his career in heavy industry, first at GE, then at Foster Wheeler Boilermakers in Dansville, New York, Williams Shoe Co. in Portsmouth, Ohio, and Kelsey-Hayes in Brighton Michigan, and Fremont. He retired from working in the hospital administration department of Firelands Regional Medical Center, Sandusky.

A lover of music and an accomplished musician (playing trombone, baritone, and most anything!), Fred joined church choirs and community bands and formed several jazz bands. For performances, he always said "Get the first note and the last note right. People will forget everything in the middle."

Fred was always active in his community as a former Rotarian and founding member and Deacon of Firelands Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir. He enjoyed fellowship, be it at church, a neighborhood cocktail party, or campaigning door to door. To this day, his observations and advice still ring true, "10 percent of your professional time is spent applying your education, training, and experience. The other 90 percent is spent developing relationships with people."

Fred married the former Shirley L. Virkler on Dec. 26, 1949, and she preceded him in death May 13, 1988, after over 38 years of marriage. Fred and Mardith E. "Mardi" (Jacobson) Siedel married June 3, 1989, and they enjoyed nearly 35 years together, spending their time at Catawba Island and Port Orange, Florida.

Fred is survived by his wife, Mardith E. Hany; sons, Jeffrey V. (Kim) Hany of Webster Groves, Missouri, and Frederick C. "Fritz" (Susan) Hany II of Oak Harbor; granddaughters, Ally (Don) Hany-Albrecht, Joan L. (Mike Barwig) Hany, and Elizabeth B. "Mookie" Hany; great-grandchildren, Bowen E. and John Frederick; stepsons, Brad (Denise) Ray of Strongsville, Brian (Kim) Ray of North Olmsted, Matthew (Nandita) Ray of Decatur, Georgia, and Justin Ray of North Olmsted; stepgrandchildren, Melissa (Jason) Steadley, Jeff, Zachary, Taylor (deceased), Lucy, Samuel, and Maddox Ray; and sister-in-law, Diane Schultz.

Private family graveside services took place at Catawba Island Cemetery, Port Clinton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Earl E. Warnke Memorial Concert/Musical Art Series, 2626 E. Harbor Road, Port Clinton, Ohio, 43452.

Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service assisted family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com.