Obituary of Charles T. Fryberger, II

Charles Theodore "Ted" Fryberger, II passed off this vale at his home in Warren, NJ on Monday, February 16, 2015 at 87 years old. Mr. Fryberger was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Germantown, PA. He was named for his paternal grandfather, Captain Charles Theodore Fryberger, the seventh-to-last survivor of the Civil War, Union Army. Mr. Fryberger was inducted into the Army during World War II, and because the war ended just after he completed basic training, he was sent to Germany to enforce the peace instead of to Japan to wage the war, a turn of events that suited his demeanor and personality. He went on to graduate from Lehigh University with a degree in industrial engineering. A creator by nature, he earned five patents for connection-related products he invented during his distinguished career with Thomas & Betts Corp. Mr. Fryberger had a gift for explaining complex ideas in lay terms, giving examples where possible, once demonstrating the Principle of Moments at the dinner table. A master storyteller with a wonderful sense of humor, an amazing memory for detail and appreciation for nuance, he could deliver a punch line like a pro. He loved history and the natural world, planted an annual vegetable garden, and read National Geographic cover to cover every month for most of his adult life. He was unfailingly polite to and respectful of others, honoring The Golden Rule throughout his life. He took up snow skiing and surf fishing as an adult and enjoyed them thoroughly. An accomplished photographer who developed his own film, he left thousands of photographs of family, friends and nature. The family wishes to express its deep appreciation to the many people who helped care for him at Summit Medical Group, Overlook Hospital, and Inglemoor, most especially his nurses and home health aide, for their skill, patience, compassion, kindness, and loving care. Mr. Fryberger was predeceased in 2005 by his wife of 51 years, Nancy Ann Barnett Fryberger, whom he adored. He is survived by his children, Philip Fryberger, Susan Fryberger, Sarah (Fryberger) Braley, and Peter Fryberger; nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; and by his siblings, Philip H. Fryberger of Minneapolis, MN and Grace (Fryberger) Price of North Cape May, NJ, four nieces and one nephew, all of whom cherish his memory. Kind gifts in his memory may be sent to the Warren Township Library, where Nancy worked for 30 years. Those wishing to honor his legacy in deed could consider planting a garden; patiently teaching; fixing something; appreciating and protecting nature; and treating others as they would wish to be treated themselves.