Fred Blum Power

Fred Blum Power Sr., of Tampa, Florida, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Sunday, October 13, 2024. Born November 6, 1933 in Jacksonville, Florida, Fred attended St. Paul’s Catholic School from first through eleventh grade where he met his future bride, Sissy Brunson Power, when they were both in 2nd grade. Fred was a member of the first graduation class of Bishop Kenny High School. He attended the University of Florida, graduating with a BA in Finance. Fred and Sissy were married in 1955 in Jacksonville, beginning their marriage of more than 65 years. Fred received his master’s in education from UF and moved to Tampa in 1964 with Sissy and their children to begin his career as a college professor at the newly established University of South Florida. Fred taught Finance and Insurance, impacting thousands of college students who knew him to be tough, fair, engaging, and a gifted educator. He became a tenured professor in just three years and was named Honorary Faculty Initiate of Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society in 1979. Upon his retirement in 1999, Fred was named an Emeritus Professor. When not teaching or attending one of his children’s sports or school events, Fred loved to golf. He spent many happy hours on the Temple Terrace, USF and Carrollwood Village links, making the first of three Hole-in-Ones in July 1966. In 1967, Fred and Sissy established the family homestead on Hampton Place, affording his family a lifetime of friends, playmates and happy memories.

In their retirement years, Fred and Sissy, traveled to many countries of the world, collecting memories and memorabilia that they lovingly shared with family and friends. Sissy and Fred spent summers in Duluth, MN, forming friendships that have remained strong through the years. For Fred’s 90th birthday, he and son-in-law Mickey traveled to Antarctica, fulfilling a life-long desire. Fred was always present in his family’s life, sharing his knowledge, determination, spiritual strength and wit. Each member of his family always knew how much he loved them, and he often acknowledged how blessed he was to have such a beautiful life.

Fred is preceded in death by his cherished wife Sissy, his parents, Joseph William Power and Margaret Blum Power, and his siblings Joseph William Power Jr, Margaret Power Chapman and Jennie Power Graves.

He is survived by his five children, Nolan Power Kimball, Patty Power Bohannan (Robert), Fred B. Power Jr. (Arlene), Meg Power Jaap (Mickey), all of Tampa, FL and Frank B. Power (Carol) of Lakeland, FL, as well as 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The family will hold a Catholic service on Saturday, November 30 at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 10110 N Central Ave, Tampa, FL 33612 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a reception at the Power House on Hampton Place at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred’s name to the Academy of the Holy Names’ Endowed Scholarship Fund, 3319 Bayshore Blvd. Tampa, FL 33629