Dr. Frederick J. "Fred" Tehan

MARCY - Dr. Frederick J. “Fred” Tehan, age 69, went home to the Lord as he passed away on Monday, October 30, 2017 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with loving family by his side. Born in Utica on January 29, 1948, Frederick was the son of the late Louis B. and Victoria “Vicky” (Salem) Tehan. He was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1965 and continued his education at LeMoyne College earning a BS degree in Chemistry in 1969. He pursued his post-graduate studies at Michigan State University where he received a PhD in Chemistry in 1974 and authored many professional publications. He was awarded a patent for creating a sodium anion that, up until that time, was said to be impossible to make. After graduation, he accepted a teaching position at the University of Wisconsin, but soon after, his dad passed away and Fred decided to return home to help run the family business, Tehan’s Catalog Stores, a legacy Wholesale company. He had an uncanny business sense and work ethic that remained strong his entire life. He, along with his brothers, conjured up a new retail concept, the Only $1 Dollar Stores, that was successful and was an honor to his parents and family. On June 10, 1979 he married the former Kathleen “Kathy” Riley. They were of one mind and heart, and were outstanding parents. They were blessed with 38 years together. After retiring from retail, Fred fulfilled his desire to share his knowledge by returning to teaching as a Professor of Chemistry at Utica College from 2004-2017. Fred was loved and admired particularly for his kind, easy-going, logical, sensible personality. He was aware of his family’s passions and was amenable to discussing all aspects of their positions and interests. He enjoyed the tranquility of taking a walk with his beloved canines. He visited with neighbors and enjoyed the challenge of solving Sudoku puzzles…in pen. Dining out was something he enjoyed doing with his family. He loved the Adirondacks, fishing, swimming, and boating at 4th Lake; it was a sanctuary for his family and a source of relaxation and a lifetime of memories. Throughout his life, Fred remained humble in all aspects. He aspired to be a good family man and a loving partner to his wife. He was a success, because failure was never an option.... Fred is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; three cherished children and son-in-law, Patricia C. Tehan and her husband Tolgahan Tosuner of Izmir, Turkey; his sons, Michael F. Tehan of Marcy, and Richard M. Tehan of Corvallis, Oregon. Always close to his heart was the memory of his infant son, Matthew Joseph Tehan, who preceded him on April 28, 1990. He also leaves his siblings and their families, Richard J. and Joann Tehan, and Steven A. and Kathleen Tehan, all of New Hartford, and Marianne and Seth Gordon of Clifton Park NY; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many friends throughout his life who he always remembered. He was predeceased by his brothers, Dr. Basil L. and Bertha Tehan, and Robert J. Tehan; his father-in-law, James Riley; his mother-in-law, Rose Riley; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James J. and Merry Riley. The family extends their sincere appreciation to the doctors and staff of the Intensive Care Unit at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for their compassion and kindness which was a true blessing. The family will honor and commemorate Fred’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Fred’s funeral service which will commence on Friday morning at 11:00 at St. Basil’s Melkite Catholic Church where his funeral service including Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Rev. Saba Shofany. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Committal prayers will be offered at Christ Our Savior Chapel in Calvary Cemetery. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio St. Utica, NY 13502, online at www.stevens-swan.org or a charity of choice; envelopes will be available at the service.

Dr. Frederick J. "Fred" Tehan

January 29, 1948 - October 30, 2017