At the extraordinary age of 99 and a half, and as a cherished member of the Greatest Generation, it is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our father, Frederick Lewis Faulkner, Jr. Dad was a man who embodied the spirit of resilience, creativity, and devotion. A proud Battle of the Bulge veteran, he was a steadfast champion of veterans’ causes, dedicating much of his later life to honoring those who served alongside him and participating actively in his local VFW Post 10167, Holiday, FL.

Dad was an information technology entrepreneur, an innovator in the printing industry, a gifted musician, a principled civic leader, and a devoted and loving father. Born in Chicago, IL, on June 23, 1925, he married his childhood sweetheart, Helen Enzenberger, on February 1, 1947. Together, they raised their three children – Anne, Frederick, and Kristin – in suburban Chicago. Deeply committed to his community, Dad served with distinction on the LaGrange Highlands District #106 School Board and the Western Springs Village Board, leaving a lasting legacy of service and leadership.

Dad began his professional journey at his family-owned business, Chief Printing Company, in Chicago. Early on, his entrepreneurial spirit was evident as he collaborated with Eastman Kodak and other companies to advance modern offset lithography printing. His contributions resulted in numerous technical innovations across printing, publishing, and the rapidly evolving field of information technology. A pioneer in his field, Dad embraced computers when they were still the size of small rooms. He played a role in an advisory group developing XML, a groundbreaking computer language that laid the foundation for HTML, the language of the internet. His sharp, inquisitive mind fueled meaningful contributions to transformative advancements in processing and delivering information. Dad’s work and the technologies he helped foster have left a lasting impact, shaping how information is shared and consumed in the modern world.

Dad was also an accomplished woodwind instrumentalist and participated in numerous community bands throughout his life. A  fine pianist as well, he serenaded his young family every evening with the lilting sounds of Debussy and Chopin — and more than an occasional show tune! In his later years, he found his way to composition and wrote several works for concert band premiered by The Richey Concert Band, of New Port Richey, FL, where he played in the clarinet section for many years.

Among his many achievements, perhaps his proudest was a musical composition, The Ardennes March, created during his 90s to commemorate the Battle of the Bulge. This work for concert band was born from his collaboration with Henry Fletcher, director of The Richey Concert Band, and ultimately orchestrated by Ross Holcombe, principal trombone of The Florida Orchestra. In May 2024, The Florida Orchestra, under the direction of Chelsea Gallo, performed The Ardennes March at Tampa’s Julien B. Lane Riverfront Park. At the end of the performance, Chelsea invited Dad to the podium to lead the orchestra in Stars and Stripes Forever. It was goosebumps for all, but especially for Dad.

After after our mother’s death, Dad embarked on a new chapter of life with his beloved wife, Phyllis, whom he married in 2009. Together, they built a warm and happy home, sharing their lives with their dogs, Mozart and later Brody. They celebrated family milestones, including welcoming great-grandchildren, and were committed members of several community groups. Whether through mutual interests or simply enjoying everyday moments, they created a wonderful life together, full of love and cherished memories.

Dad, you taught us all of the important stuff. You were a warrior, a person of honor, a fierce advocate for your beliefs, a trusted friend to many, and a devoted husband and father. Sweet dreams, dear Dad.  May Debussy and Chopin ring forever in your ears, and your comrades always salute you. We will forever miss you.

Donations in Dad’s memory may be made to:

VFW Post 10167

4619 Bartelt Road

Holiday, FL 34690

727-938-5977

Or

The Florida Orchestra

https://the.floridaorchestra.org/donate/contribute1