Frederick J. Olinger

Frederick John Olinger, age 83, passed away peacefully at home after a period of declining health. He was attended to by his daughters, Crossroads Hospice and his beloved cat “Frosty”.

Born in Akron, Ohio he was a life-long resident of Dover and the beloved son of the Justin “Judd” Leland Olinger and Ruth E. (Baab) Olinger who preceded him in death.

Fred graduated from Dover High School in 1959. He began his career working alongside his father as an apprentice in plumbing and pipefitting, and in August of 1962, he proudly joined the Local 495 Pipefitters Union. Over the next four decades, he became a respected and dedicated figure in his trade working, bidding and supervising jobs around the country.

Fred had a great interest in mechanics. His love of drag racing, classic cars and boating led him to develop deep and long-lasting friendships. As a young man he and a few of his friends founded the Dover Boat & Ski Club and would compete in waterskiing tournaments around the state. Fred was very successful in winning many tournaments and was an accomplished skier as one of the few people to master barefoot skiing. He spent a lot of time on the Tuscarawas River with family and friends over the years.

After he retired, he spent time with friends working on different types of race cars, collecting parts and tinkering on his prized Budweiser dragster.

More than anything, Fred loved his family. He treasured time with his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always offering encouragement, laughter, and a listening ear.

He is survived by his daughters, Michele (Greg) Anderson of New Philadelphia and Melissa (Scott) Rister of Plain City, Ohio; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one more great-grandchild expected in August.

Fred’s legacy of craftsmanship, curiosity, friendship, and love lives on in the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

A private celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date.