David Frederick (Fred) Lowe's Obituary
David Frederick (Fred) Lowe passed peacefully in the home of his daughter Kristen and her husband Dan Brainard, who were present with him that day, along with his son, Steve, on Sunday, the 15th of September, 2024. The love of his life, Lorraine Lowe, who he first met at age 13 and shared 65 years of married life was also there at his side. My love and prayers, as well as those of other family and friends not in the home also surrounded him. This included the tremendous support and love from his caregiver, Gus. Visit Lorraine's Tribute
Fred was a devoted family man, starting with his own parents, Chrystabel and Harry, and his three brothers: Bob, Nick, and Timmy, as well as his Uncle Freddie (Robinson, brother of Chrystabel) and his wife, Aunt Evelyn, and their three children: Bonnie (Bowling), Chrissie (Young), and Jan (Hall). Never before have I witnessed a relationship between brothers and their cousins as strong and deep as theirs was. Theirs was a lifelong love! Whenever they all meet together in Heaven, the angels will be singing!
Fred continued his strong family commitment with his own family, wife Lorraine and children: Lora (Lori, husband Jack Cargain), Steven (wife Anne), and Kristen (husband Dan). He also experienced tremendous pride and joy with his eight grandchildren, listed in birth order: David Josam, Blake Lowe, Michael Josam, Connor Lowe (wife Kelsey), Alekzandria Collins, Casey Lowe, Alexis Collins, and Rebecca Collins. He also greatly loved his parents-in-law Helen and Richard Grimes, his brother-in-law Gary Grimes and wife Geri, and several nieces and nephews. The joy he had through the years of playing Fantasy Football with his brothers, brother-in-law, nieces (Nancy and Gretchen) and nephew (Robbie and his sons Brendan and Justin), children, sons-in-law, and grandchildren is just one example of the bond he shared with them!
Fred was born in Huntington, West Virginia, was baptized in a Lutheran Church, and moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he attended Bethel schools through his Junior year. He was voted in, and served as Junior Class President at Bethel High School his last year there. Due to a family move, he had to transfer to Scott High School, graduating in 1955. He spent his first two years of college at St. Vincent and then transferred to Marshall College in Huntington, West Virginia to study pre-law. He lived with his brother Bob for his first year and they took the same classes and shared the same books! They both became ardent Thundering Herd fans and remained so their entire lives! Bob chose Thundering Herd for his fantasy football name and Fred took that name for his own team after Bob passed away. Fred wanted to continue the legacy of love he and his brother had for their college, their birth town, and for each other.
What is spectacular is that throughout Fred’s college years his love for Lorraine never abated. He sent her nearly 300 letters in those years and my mom saved every one of them! They became a keepsake of my dad’s devotion to her, and my dad never stopped exhibiting that devotion to her their entire marriage! My dad was a very special man who had a heart of gold! My parents married straight out of college at Bethel Presbyterian Church on May 23, 1959.
Fred spent the majority of his career working for Republic Steel in Cleveland, Ohio, as well as Buffalo and Syracuse, New York, and Youngstown, Ohio. He was ultimately Director of Sales for Allied Tube and Conduit outside of Chicago, Illinois. His strong pride in America fueled his desire to support the American steel industry. His brother, Bob, and father, Harry, also worked for the steel industry at U.S. Steel Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh. It is not surprising that Fred’s family, with their steel industry history, rooted mightily for the Pittsburgh Steelers!
Fred was an avid historian and loved to read and write. Additionally, his hobbies were skiing, golfing, bicycling, camping, and traveling throughout the United States and abroad. One of his favorite past times was staying in touch with friends gathered throughout his lifetime. He would travel far and wide to spend time with them. Once a friend of Fred’s always a friend. His love and joy for others knew no bounds!
Dad, I picture you dancing in Heaven with your parents and brothers Bob and Timmy! We will all forever love and miss you, until we see you again!
Yours, with Love Always,
Lori
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