Fred Merton Van Tassel

Fred, 64, was born in Dayton, Ohio to Lloyd A. Van Tassel, Jr. and Marianne Dora Van Tassel, cherished, and previously deceased. He grew up with his big brother Eric and sister Anne in Dayton, OH, Rochester, MN, and Raleigh, NC.

Fred was a proud but humble graduate of NCSU where he received a BS and MS in Civil Engineering. He made his life career with Soil & Material Engineers, Inc. as a Professional Engineer, and worked for them in various locations including Raleigh, NC, (RDU Airport) Nassau, Bahamas, (the Pink Hotel), Athens, GA, and the bulk of his career in Charlotte, NC (Panther Stadium). He loved his job and was a perfectionist in ensuring that buildings, bridges, overpasses, roadways, airports, and stadiums were built precisely to code, and no messing around.

Fred was diagnosed with cancer in April, and fought hard to the end, rallied and supported by his family, and received continual, sacrificial, loving attention by Lisa Mahoney, who gave him better care than money can buy.

Fred celebrated Holy Communion, his literal “last supper,” surrounded by his loving family sharing treasured memories. Fred is survived by his beloved Lisa Mahoney of the home, and his brother Eric (Susan), sister Anne (Rick) and their families, many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and neighbors, especially at Sammy’s, playing golf or pool.

If you want to remember Fred with us, lift a Budweiser, watch Gunsmoke, the Rifleman, or Bonanza, and listen to Toby Keith sing, “I Should’ve Been a Cowboy.”

He would also appreciate donations to the Charlotte Humane Society. A private memorial service is being planned for the new year.

Condolences may be offered at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.