Obituary of Fred V. Honnold

Fred V. Honnold, 72, of Fayetteville, NY and Vero Beach, FL, passed away suddenly in Syracuse, NY on October 18, 2013. Fred was born on October 5, 1941 in Pendleton Indiana; he earned dual mechanical engineering degrees from Purdue University and Indianapolis University and a Masters in Engineering from Syracuse University. Upon graduation from Purdue, he moved to Syracuse and joined Carrier Corporation as a development engineer who became an accomplished inventor. During his career at Carrier, Fred held numerous technical and senior management positions, including Vice President of Engineering where he directed Carrier's worldwide engineering operations and brought about new technical standards in the industry. He directed the preservation of the Sistine Chapel using Carrier air quality systems. In 1991 he received the Purdue University Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award for technical innovations and outstanding leadership in the air conditioning industry. Upon his retirement from Carrier, Fred acquired and became President and CEO of Syracuse Stamping Company. Fred loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, and friends. His energetic zest for life was remarkable and contagious. He was an avid reader and enthusiastically shared his life experience and knowledge with others. Fred enjoyed tennis and golf as a member of Onondaga CC and Windsor. Hiking and mountain climbing with his family were among Fred's greatest passions. He also enjoyed his bridge club, running marathons, and participating in the Empire State Games. Fred is survived by his wife, Betsy Hartnett; his children, Bradley of Charlotte NC, Scott (Laura) of Hudson OH and Jill (Bill) Gaffigan of Marietta GA; his siblings, Pat (Chuck) Schirmer of Baltimore MD, Phillip Honnold of Pensacola FL, Katie (Clarence) Hupfer of Pendleton IN, Karen (Arnie) Flannery of Greenfield IN and Anna (Don) Reardon of Ponte Vedra FL; his eight grandchildren, Gretchen, Laura and Anna Honnold, Kaitlyn and Ryan Honnold and Kassidy, Patrick and Joseph Gaffigan, as well as many brothers and sisters-in-law and countless nieces and nephews. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred V. Honnold Sr. and Ruth Honnold; his sister, Judith Honnold-Reece; and his first wife, Ellen Honnold. Services will be held Tuesday 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, 4112 E Genesee St DeWitt, NY 13214. Calling hours will be held Monday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Holy Cross Church. Burial will be in Fayetteville Cemetery.