Fred L Walling

Frederick Leopold Walling

October 10, 1930 – July 22, 2023

Frederick L. Walling passed away on the morning of July 22, 2023.  He was 92 years old.

Fred was born on October 10, 1930, in Manhattan, New York City.  He was born to Frederick J. and Marie Walling. He was the oldest of three boys and is survived by his brothers Richard and George Walling.

Fred was married to Rita O’Rourke on June 27, 1959. Fred and Rita recently celebrated 64 years of marriage.  They met at a Rockville Centre parish dance.  They first resided in Fort Lee, New Jersey and spent the rest of their lives living on Long Island in Merrick, Smithtown, Riverhead and Lake Grove. 

Fred is survived by his daughter Mary and Michel Pinga, his son Peter and Debra Walling, his son Kevin and Denise Walling and his son Freddy Walling.  Fred and Rita are blessed to have ten grandchildren, Jennifer Pettit, Michael Walling, Dan Pinga, Matthew Walling, Zoe Walling, Luke Walling, Bryce Walling, Brooke Walling, Brody Walling and Bradyn Walling, and one great grandson, Owen Pettit. 

Fred was an IBEW Local 3 electrician for 43 years.  He was known for loving sports – especially baseball.  He was both an athlete and coach.  He believed in education. He went to school at night for over ten years to attain his undergraduate degree.  He taught apprentice electricians for over 15 years in the evening.  Fred loved classical music and operas.  He sang in the St. Philip and James Catholic Church adult choir for 30 years.  He was a medic in the national guard.  Fred was known for his humility, humor, generosity and kindness. He saw the goodness in others and always looked to give vs take.

Fred Walling’s legacy will be known for him being a truly kind and good man who had a great sense of humor, someone known for being generous, loving and humble.  He believed in God.  He always put others first.  Fred was a great son, brother, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He was an awesome father and family man who taught by example.  Most of all, Fred was an amazing husband who truly adored and loved his wife, Rita.

He will be greatly missed. 

The viewing will be on Thursday, July 27 from 4-7pm at St. James Funeral Home.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday at 11:30am at St. Philip and James Roman Catholic Church.

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