Fred Vichich Obituary

Fred L. Vichich, a resident of Colorado Springs for the past sixteen months died peacefully on 16, July 2006. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, son of Jacob and Mary Lunka Vichich, ninth of ten children pre-deceased by parents and all siblings Jacob, Henry, Felix, Josephine, Anne, Mary, Frances, Pauline and Margaret. Predeceased also by wife; Esther Renschigai, son; Fred P. Vichich, and three grandchildren; Daniel Vichich, Kristin Vichich and Terri Vichich Williams. After marriage to Esther, 17 June 1937, they shared life and family living in Pittsburgh, Endicott, New York, New Port Richey, Florida, and Knoxville, TN. A graduate of Union High School, Pittsburg Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) as a Mechanical Engineer with graduate studies at Syracuse University. He served his country during World War II in a deferred status working on a secret project at Westinghouse which he later learned was the Manhattan Project. His professional life took him from Pittsburgh to ANSCO CORP in Binghamton, NY, followed by employment at American Brass Co. in Waterbury, CT for several years ultimately retiring after. Fred enjoyed gardening, visiting family, music, dancing, reading and woodworking. Those who knew him will likely remember him as a reserved, quiet, caring man who always greeted people with a smile. He is survived by daughter Kathleen V. Dittrich and husband Mark of Colorado Springs, son James M. Vichich and wife Vicki of Brighton, MI, and Bonnie Vichich Baez, of Knoxville, TN; wife of his deceased son, Fred. Also seven grandchildren; Dr. Karen A. Dittrich, Park City, UT, Dr. Karl P. Dittrich, Colorado Springs, Erik K. Dittrich, Saratoga Springs, NY, Dr. Kurt F. Dittrich, Boston, MA, James P. Vichich, Knoxville, TN, Robert P. Vichich, League City, TX, and Michael J. Vichich, Brighton, MI, eight great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Our family is most grateful for the dedicated loving care given by the staff of the REM UNIT of Brighton Gardens and Odyssey Hospice.