Fred Walter Steckley, of Mount Laurel, New Jersey went home to be with the LORD on Thursday, March 9, 2023.  He passed away at Southgate Rehabilitation Center in Carney’s Point where he resided for 2 weeks following a 2 week hospitalization. He was 94 years old. 

Fred was born in Irondequoit, New York. He served in the Army during the Korean war. He earned his master’s degree at Drexel University while designing radios for Philco Ford.

His love for music came at an early age through a music appreciation class in grade school. He started taking piano lessons and two years later switched to the violin. He played in the Haddonfield Symphony Orchestra, Dearborn Symphony and the Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey for a total of 46 years. He switched from violin to viola in his 70’s and had to retire from the orchestra when he was 89.

Fred met the love of his life, Idell Britt, while visiting Fleischman Baptist Church in Philadelphia. Fred and Idell were married on June 12, 1954. They had three children. Many fond memories were made on the family tent camping trips. He spent many late-night hours teaching math to his children. He was a soft-spoken gentleman, a frugal handy-man and hard worker. He was a lifelong learner and participated in educational Elderhostles. Many times, they combined this education with their annual trip to Florida. They faithfully attended and volunteered at Fellowship Community Church. They also participated in their church SALT group (Senior Adults Living Triumphantly).

Later in life, he enjoyed solving Sudoku puzzles, but only the more challenging ones. He knew the flight patterns of the planes and would stand on the porch and watch them. It never got old watching the deer, the birds, or spotting “Woodie” the woodchuck in his backyard. 

His love, commitment, and faithfulness to his wife and family over the years was quite evident. This love shined brightly, especially during the 7 years that he faithfully visited his wife at Harmony Village memory care unit.  He was a great example of love, and he will surely be missed.

He is predeceased by Idell, his beloved wife of 63 years and his two sisters, Emilie (Al) and Dorothy (Jim).  He is survived by their children, Carol Caldwell (Jeffrey), Diane Miller (Rocky), and Gary Steckley (Marilyn); grandchildren, Melissa Mammen (Jerry), Rachel Gripp (Christopher), Kevin Miller, Elizabeth Crist (Jesse), Hannah Caldwell, Samuel Caldwell (Miranda) and Erin Varghese (Arun); great-grandchildren, Elliott Mammen, Averie Mammen, Jayden Mammen, Jeremiah Caldwell and Kayla Caldwell; and two more great-grandchildren on the way, Baby Gripp and Baby Caldwell.

Friends and relatives are welcome to Fred’s viewing on Friday, March 17, 2023 from 9:00-10:00 AM, immediately followed by a service at 10:00 AM.  Both will be held at Fellowship Community Church, 1520 Hainesport Mount Laurel Road, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054. Internment will be at Lakeview Memorial Park following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred’s memory may be made to Fellowship Community Church, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association or Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey