Frederick J. Ellingson

Following a lengthy battle with Lewy Body Dementia, Frederick John Ellingson passed away peacefully at his home in Lansdale on August 22 nd , 2018. He was 80 years old. Fred was an engineer who worked on design aspects of the Apollo lunar lander and lunar rover. He also held a pilot's license and was a sailing enthusiast, spending many days traversing the Long Island Sound, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Virgin Islands.

Fred was born in New York City on February 20 th , 1938, to Martin & Gertrude (Strzelecki) Ellingson. He graduated from Sea Cliff High School (Sea Cliff, NY) in 1955. Fred completed his undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Mexico, and received a Master’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering at New York Polytechnic University.

Throughout his career he contributed to many advancements in the aerospace and energy industries. Before his retirement in 2009, he worked at Grumman, Fairchild, US Tool & Die, Parker Hannifan, Triumph Controls, and Westinghouse Nuclear. At Westinghouse he developed several patents that directly advanced their nuclear fuel services program.

Fred is survived by his wife of nearly 31 years Karen (Steinke) Ellingson, his brother Douglas Ellingson, and his five children — John Ellingson, Deborah Johns, Melissa Booth, Ryan Ellingson, and Kyle Ellingson. He is also survived by his grandchildren — Craig & Payton Johns, Lehn & Hannah Ellingson, and Chloe, Julia, & Lily Booth. With him for the better part of the last seven years was his dear friend Kathy Albert who was a critical member of his caregiving team.

Fred was brilliant and charming, and loved Jimmy Buffet, John Denver, and Peter, Paul, & Mary. He was very funny and had the ultimate sweet tooth. His coy smile and one-liners would light up the room, even far into his physical and mental declines.

The family will receive friends at the Scanlin Funeral Home, 175 E Butler Ave, Chalfont, PA, on Sunday, September 9 th at 11am, followed by a service at 12pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Lewy Body Dementia Association ( www.LBDA.org ) so that other families don't have to lose their loved ones to this insidious disease.