Obituary of Frederick M. Hollfelder

Fred M. Hollfelder, 77, beloved husband of the late Charlotte Johnson Hollfelder, died Monday, November 7, 2011, at Hartford Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Hartford, son of Fred and Marie (Walsh) Hollfelder. He was a graduate of New Britain Senior High School. Following service in the United States Air Force, he graduated from the University of Hartford. He was President of the Emhart Corporation in Berlin, CT for many years. He enjoyed playing golf and was actively involved at the Farmington Country Club as he served as President in 1992. He was an avid fan of the NY Giants and NY Yankees, but his favorite team of all was the UCONN Women's Basketball team . He was a faithful member of the Church of St. Ann in Avon. Fred's good fortune in life was of little value unless he could share it with those that were not as fortunate. His life was devoted to giving to a number of causes, in particular the education and early detection of breast cancer. Fred's heart had no bounds and he always reflected that he was living to meet the standards of his wife Charlotte, who died years ago. Fred established the Charlotte Johnson Hollfelder Foundation in her memory. This foundation funded free mammograms in many local hospitals, mobile mammography units in New Britain and Hartford, and also provided funding for patient assistance at several local hospitals such as The Hospital of Central Connecticut, Hartford Hospital, and Bristol Hospital. In addition, this inspired Fred to continue his philanthropic work for other similar causes including the Connecticut Children Medical Center Foundation and numerous clinical care, research, and educational contributions at UCONN, most notably the Charlotte Johnson Hollfelder Women's Health Center and the establishment and funding of the Richard J. Hollfelder Memorial Scholarship at the School of Nursing. Fred's caring and selfless nature was immeasurable with his desire and ideal to "touch just one life". He, in fact, touched thousands of lives. As just one example of Fred's vision and support, the Bristol Community Breast Health Project significantly improved the health, and saved the lives, of many women in the Greater Bristol area. Through Fred's generous support over more than a decade, the Project was able to provide hundreds of free mammograms to those in need and the rate of women from Bristol receiving annual mammograms increased from 47% in 1999 to over 90% by 2003. Thanks to Fred, Bristol remains one of the best cities in the State for mammogram compliance. It is difficult to convey how many lives have been touched by his generosity. Fred has truly made a difference in fighting breast cancer and he will continue to do so long into the future. Besides his wife, he is predeceased by his brother Richard J. Hollfelder. He is survived by his sister-in-law Maureen F. Hollfelder of Newington, brother Jack F. Hollfelder of New Smyrna Beach, FL, sister, Marie F. Hollfelder of Old Lyme, and cousin Brian Kelly of Farmington. He will be sorrowfully missed by two very special neices, Ellen H. Roback, and her husband Frank, and Beth A. Hollfelder. Also he leaves several nephews and nieces, Richard J. Hollfelder Jr., Jack Hollfelder Jr., Mark Hollfelder, Marcia DelBiondo and Mary Anne Nelms, along with special friends Brian and Donna Clymer, Dr. David Hull, and Dr. Kristen Zarfos. Friends and family are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial Friday at 12:00 noon. at St. Ann's Church 289 Arch Road in Avon. Burial will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery, Avon. There are no calling hours. In his memory and in lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Charlotte Johnson Hollfelder Foundation PO Box 1311, Avon, CT 06001. The family wishes to express our sincere thanks to Hartford Hospital Critical Care Unit for their wonderful care and loving support to Fred.