Obituary: Frederick L. Koelsch, 85, Of Yorktown Heights

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY — Frederick L. Koelsch, “Fred”, passed away on Feb. 7, 2022. He was 85 years old. Fred and his beloved wife of 61 years, Rita Margarete (Loonie) Koelsch, lived in Yorktown Heights, New York.

He was born in Glendale, New York, the only child of Frederick Koelsch and Margaret Guthy Koelsch. Fred grew up enjoying the company of cousins and extended family members.

Fred earned a degree in Electrical Technology from New York City Community College. Fred served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960 and was stationed at Fort George G. Meade in Maryland. At the age of 19, he began his career with IBM in Kingston, New York, as a Display Technician with the Field Engineering Program. He moved to Yorktown Heights in 1966 where he raised his family. In 1972, while working with IBM, he spent time in Miami, Florida. He held various positions with IBM in White Plains, New York, during his 37-year career including Manager, Telecommunications.

Fred went on to study CAD-CAM and business at Pace University and spent 20 years with the Town of Yorktown Engineering Department as a CAD/GIS Technician and Consultant. He retired at the age of 80.

Fred enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, beginning as a Boy Scout Leader in the early 1970’s, sailing his 12-foot sailboat, fishing, playing tennis, tropical fish enthusiast, painting, gardening and electronics. Fred and Rita enjoyed attending Broadway theatre in NYC, vacationing and annual trips to Siesta Key, Florida. He proudly watched his grandson’s lacrosse games and cared for his younger grandchildren. Fred attended monthly XIWIC Club meetings and swim classes at Club Fit in Yorktown Heights where he enjoyed the comradery of friends.

Fred was a loving husband and father and spent many wonderful years with his grandchildren. He is survived by his cherished wife, Rita and family: son, Fred Koelsch, daughter-in-law Ellen Koelsch and their sons Derek, Trevor and Connor of Yorktown Heights, New York. His daughter, Joanne Coniglio, son-in-law Allen Coniglio and their son’s Thomas and Lucas of Trumbull, Connecticut.

A Celebration of Life Service will be offered at First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown, Yorktown Heights, New York at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022.

Flowers are accepted, or in lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in Frederick L. Koelsch’s name may be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.