It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Frederick Herman Abel of Olney, Maryland on Friday, December 22, 2017.  

Fred was born November 21, 1936 in Remus, Michigan to the late Herman and Ruth Abel.  He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years Marguerite Mary (Carrol) Abel, his sister Martha Bott, and brothers Jim and Kenneth Abel.   He is survived by his three sons Paul Abel, wife Susan; Steven Abel; and Mark Abel, wife Julie; Grandchildren Paul Jr., Jane, Melissa, Mary Grace, Justin, and John; Sisters Mary Ann Wojcik, Joan Carmody; Brothers Jerry, David; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Fred met his wife Marguerite (Peggy) in graduate school at the University of Delaware.  They subsequently got married and Fred later achieved a PhD in Economics from Michigan State University.  He re-located to the Washington DC area, and had a successful career as an economist for the federal government,retiring from the Department of Energy after more than 20 years.  

His interests included gardening, fishing, bird watching, and raising Koi fish.  He would enjoy showing his family, friends, and neighbors the plants and flowers in his yard.  He also enjoyed showing off the beautiful Koi fish that he and son Steven raised and cared for in the ponds in the back yard.  He was a man of strong faith, having supported St. Peter’s Catholic Church in various capacities for over 40 years, including leading a prayer group that provided him consistent strength and support.  Above all, he loved his children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 2900 Olney Sandy Spring Rd, Olney, MD 20832, from 10:00 – 11:00 am where Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am followed by Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring, Maryland.  Reception will be held at 1:00pm at the Oak Room, 17921 Brooke Rd., Sandy Spring, Maryland 20860.  

Memorial contributions may be made in Fred's memory to St. Peter's Catholic Church. 

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