Obituary of Frederic C. Tourelle

Frederic C. Tourelle

Exemplar Teacher

Frederic C. Tourelle, 99, of Lake Hiawatha, NJ, peacefully passed away on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Boonton Care Center.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for a memorial visitation which will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2019 (Fred's 100th birthday) from 1-3 pm at the Codey & Mackey Funeral Home, 107 Essex Avenue, Boonton, NJ.

Born in Newark, NJ, to Frederic and Marion (Cochran) Tourelle, raised in Verona, NJ, Fred lived most of his life in Lake Hiawatha with his beloved wife, Patricia. He proudly served in the US Army during WWII in the Pacific Theatre, specifically the Philippines, and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. Fred graduated from Newark Teachers College with a bachelor degree in education.

Fred was an exemplar teacher of industrial arts, drafting and architecture with the New Providence and Madison Boards of Education, retiring in 1980. His dedication to his craft made a difference in the lives of generations of students.

Among some of Fred's interests are his love of music, hiking, woodworking, home maintenance, reading, environmental issues, politics (Fred wrote some "mean" letters in his day), the population explosion issue, and immigration issues. He was an avid amateur gardener and enjoyed yardwork. Fred walked every day and enjoyed forming and leading hiking groups. As for hiking, it was said that the hiking groups he lead would be lost without Fred's sense of direction and trail blazing abilities. He might be inclined to say, "damn the ticks; full speed ahead!"

In his retirement he was active with the NJ Symphony Orchestra for 55 years, where he was an active volunteer and Docent with the Education and Community Engagement Program. Utilizing his love for classical music and education he was instrumental in bringing classical music into the schools through these programs. He would also use his knowledge of woodworking and artistry by building sets for varied concerts including, Hansel & Gretel and Pictures of an Exhibition.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 69 years, Patricia (Smith) and a loving niece, Wendy Minchall and her husband, Hap. He was predeceased by his brother, William.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred's memory to the NJ Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Education and Community Engagement Programs, 60 Park Place, 9th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102 (www.njsymphony.org/support-your-njso) or the Nature Conservancy (NJ Chapter), 200 Pottersville Road, Chester, NJ 07930 (https://support.nature.org) would be appreciated.