Frederick J. Birkel

Frederick J. Birkel, 68, of Houston, formerly of Pittsburgh, passed away on Friday, November 20, 2015 in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.

He was born on November 20, 1947 in Pittsburgh, a son of Elizabeth T. Kraus Birkel of Mt. Washington and the late Frederick J. Birkel.

Fred proudly served his country with the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam from 1966-1968.  He was honorably discharged on his 21st birthday.  Fred was a member of the Houston American Legion Post 902.  He worked very hard and was instrumental in having the Vietnam Memorial erected in Pittsburgh’s Southside. 

Fred was a 1964 graduate of South High School.  After returning from Vietnam, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Robert Morris College, majoring in business.  He advanced his education further at the University of Oklahoma and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Pennsylvania.  Fred enjoyed his rewarding 40 year career in the banking industry, where he most recently progressed to the Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending.

Fred was a very loving husband and father.  He enjoyed fishing, boxing, and was an avid chess player.

On July 18, 1987 he married his loving wife, Kathleen “Kate” Kimmel Birkel, who survives.

Also surviving are his three beloved children, Fred J. Birkel, Jr. of Houston, Theresa L. (Joseph) Bianchin of Cranberry, and Connie (Mark) Ratica of Jacksonville, Florida; four precious grandchildren, Chayce and Paige Bianchin, both of Cranberry and Andrew and Sarah Ratica, both of Jacksonville, Florida; brother, Timothy (Patti) Birkel of Brookline; nieces, Liz (Dan) Bittner and Krissy (Rich) Ferris; and great nieces and nephews, Hennessy Bittner and Ella, Timmy, and Julian Ferris.  Also surviving are numerous additional nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and extended family. 

In addition to his father, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Eileen Birkel.

Friends are welcome from 12:00-3:00 and 5:00-8:00 PM on Monday, November 23, 2015 in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Joseph P. Salandra owner/supervisor, Lin Webb funeral director, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg 724-745-8120 where departing prayers will begin at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, November 25, 2015.  A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 11:00 AM in St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 317 West Pike Street, Canonsburg.  Interment, with full military rites accorded by the VFW Post 191 Honor Guard, will follow at 12:30 PM in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Twp.  There will be no visitation or services on Tuesday.