Obituary of Archie D. Fellenzer

Archie DeWilford Fellenzer Jr. (B. July 3, 1924), 90, died peacefully on October 20, 2014 at Orange Regional Medical Center. Alice, his wife, of 57 years was by his side. Archie was a lifelong Middletown resident, having been born at home to Elsie and Archie Fellenzer Sr. Always motivated and intellectually curious, he spent much of his youth as a member of Boy Scout Troop 52, earning his Eagle rank at age 14. Years later, he returned to the Boy Scouts as the Cub Master of the same troop. He was inducted into the Eagle Scout Hall of Fame at West Point, and just this year he was named Citizen of the Year by Hudson Valley Boy Scout Association Council. He attended Middletown Public schools, graduating in 1942. He opted to attend Purdue University as a V-12 (Naval) Student, graduating in 1945 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. As part of the War effort, he was immediately sent to Columbia University, Midshipman School, where he earned the rank of Ensign U.S. Navy. This was followed by active duty in the U.S. Navy Ordnance School and teaching Naval ROTC at Georgia Tech. After 22 years of service in the reserves, he retired as a Lieutenant Commander. Returning to Middletown after World War II, he developed his professional Engineering career and established his own firm. In 1957, he married Alice Zufall. For their honeymoon they followed their passion for skiing and drove cross-country to ski the west. They were blessed with five children Joy, Sally, Mark, John and Eric. His passion for skiing began at an early age on the sloping front lawn of Horton Hospital. He enjoyed skiing into his eighties with great enthusiasm. He was a member of the National Ski Patrol and a Ski Instructor. Archie was an instrument rated pilot and served on the Orange County Airport Advisory Board as a Chairman. He took great interest in serving the Middletown community as President of Middletown Rotary, President of Middletown Citizens Action Committee, President of Chorley PTA, Elder of Webb Horton Presbyterian Church, Trustee of Orange County Citizens Foundation, fifteen year member of the Horton Hospital Board of Directors, Director of Middletown Business Improvement District, President of Men's University Club and Chairman of the Electrical Licensing Board. Archie enjoyed the brotherhood at the Hoffman Lodge #412 F&AM and the American Legion Post #151 in Middletown, NY. He and Alice were the first ones on any dance floor. An Orange Classic Runner for years, he claimed "Running cures all!" His daily inspiration to his children, upon dropping them off at school was "Another day in which to excel!" This summer, his 90th birthday was celebrated amongst 90 family and friends at Yankee Lake. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alice G. Zufall Fellenzer and their five children: Joy Fellenzer Paterson and her children Jake, Nat, Annie and Luke; Sally Fellenzer (m. Ed) Baron their children Alyce, Madelyn and Heide; Mark Fellenzer (m. Valerie Covart), their children Ryan, Jena, and Matthew, John Fellenzer (m. Anne Glenn) and their children Kelly and Daniel, grandchild Patrick Griffin (m. Corinne) and great grandchild Patrick; Eric Fellenzer (m. Margery Magnanti) and their children Jessica, Steven, and Frank. Also survived by, brother-in-law Dr. Robert Zufall and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Grace E. Cline, brother-in-law Frank, sister-in-law Martha Z. Smith and brother-in-law John H. Zufall. His memory may be honored by donations to Hudson Valley Council, BSA 6 Jeane Drive, Newburgh, NY 12550 or to ORMC Foundation 707 East Main Street, Middletown, NY 10940. A celebration of his life will be held at United Presbyterian Church, 25 Orchard Street Middletown. NY on Saturday October 25, 2014 from 1:30 PM -2:30 PM with the service at 2:30 PM. Arrangements by Ralston-Lippincott-Hasbrouck-Ingrassia Funeral Home, Inc. Middletown, NY 845-343-6023