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1945
2017
FREDERICK JAMES FLIHAN was born on 2 September 1945 to parents, Frederick J. Flihan, Sr. and Eva Rita Joseph Flihan, in Utica, New York. He moved to Southern California when he was 14 and, other than military moves, he was a resident of Orange County or San Diego County for the remainder of his life.
Fred joined the United States Marine Corps in 1963, serving 3 tours in Vietnam and time as a Drill instructor at MCRD, San Diego. He was promoted to Warrant Officer in 1973, and subsequently became an officer, retiring as a Major in 1985. Having bridged the gap between enlisted and officer, he became a Marine Corps Mustang. Upon retirement from USMC he entered the work force at San Diego Gas & Electric where he rose to be Director of Northeast Operations. Thereafter, he pursued woodworking classes and he volunteered many hours for several years at the Community Resource Center in Encinitas.
Fred and his wife, Peggy, enjoyed many travel adventures in the U.S, Canada, and Europe during their 38 years of marriage, his favorite destination being Italy. They also treasured their time in Japan when he was still on Active Duty. Yet he seemed happiest in Hawaii.
He is survived by his wife Peggy, daughter Diane Flihan Root, and his son Daniel Flihan and his wife Sarah Kinnee Flihan. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren, Nico, Chase, Elik, Kile Flihan and Eva Marie Flihan-Osowski, and one great-granddaughter, Aubree Don Flihan. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Mary Ann, and her husband, Bruce Olsen, of Wildomar, CA, his sisters-in-law, Bennie Rhyne of Hughes Springs, TX and Laura Turman of Tyler, TX, plus many nieces and nephews, their spouses and children and grandchildren. He is also survived by his aunts, Christine Leone of Utica, NY and Mary Eade of Olean, NY and by his uncles, Neamor Joseph of Ontario, CA and Joseph Eade of Olean, NY. Fred’s extended family included many cousins as well. All of his family members were beloved and they will miss his presence here on earth.
Fred passed away very suddenly on Monday, 18 September, 2017 after a brief hospital stay. He will be laid to rest with full military honors at Miramar National Cemetery on Friday, 6 October at 12:30 p.m. sharp. A reception will follow after the service; information will be available at Miramar Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Fred’s name be made to San Diego Meals on Wheels, St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis, TN, or the charity of your choice.
Pallbearer - Nico Flihan
Honorary Pallbearers: Eva Flihan-Osowski, Elik Flihan, Kile Flihan, Chase Flihan, Mike Flihan, Doreen Flihan Jones, Scott Jones, Eric Olsen, Christopher Olsen, Kim Olsen Kooser, Gina Flihan Tutuska, Jon Morris, Sally Rhyne Driggers, Roy Ted Turman
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by El Camino Memorial - Encinitas Encinitas Chapel.
January 20, 2019
Military
Daniel Schooley
Sorry to hear about your family loss........my name is Daniel SCHOOLEY. I was in Viet nam. June65 till july66. I knew a gentleman named fred flihan.. in Danang. Would this be the same man? My contact # 9287131181.. enjoy the day.
September 26, 2018
My condolences to the Flihan family and friends. We have to take comfort in the scriptures and do as Paul said "Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart". Colossians 3:15
September 26, 2018
A friend
So sorry for your loss, please take comfort in knowing that our heavenly father cares and I pray that you find peace in knowing that He understands your grief . 1 Peter 5:6, 7
November 10, 2017
DAVID KIRCHGESSLER
So sorry to hear of the passing of my former Drill Instructor, platoon 3341 San Diego, 1968 - so proud of his service - he certainly trained us well! I was a Sergeant 16months after bootcamp, so he did well....he had the best drill cadence ever, and I am sure he took over "upstairs" and is watching over all of us now. Semper Fi, SIR...
October 25, 2017
Walter Manning
My condolences to the Flihan family.I worked as a young lineman for Fred at Eastern in the early 90's. And we also share the common bond as Marine Corps Drill Instructors.
Sleep well Devildog
Semper Fi
Walt Manning
USMC
October 6, 2017
Robert & Yogi Moreno
We had the pleasure of meeting Fred and Peggy in 1973 when stationed in Houston, Tx with the 1stBn 23rdMar, I&I Staff. He was a true gentleman and dear friend. We are saddened by his passing. Our sincere condolences to his family. May he rest in peace. Semper Fi
October 6, 2017
Ron Smith
Fred was not only a man among men he was a very compassionate man at work he lead with dignity and perfection, he will be missed. Semper Fi
Ron and Mollie Smith
October 5, 2017
Debbe Flihan McAffrey Joseph Flihan and Laura
Our sincere condolences to Peggy and family on the passing of Uncle Freddy. His eldest niece and nephew feel truly honored to have been part of his family. Heaven has gained a wonderful angel!
October 5, 2017
Laura Malter
Fred's smiling face and robust laughter as he drove past our houses, carrying on conversations with all the neighbors - will be sorely missed. His compassionate heart and boundless energy driven toward helping other people confirms that he was an angel, temporarily bound to flesh on earth. My prayers are for peace for his family and close friends. Until we meet again.
October 5, 2017
Larry and Sherry Joseph
It was our pleasure seeing Fred at our recent 2017 family reunion in August. We are honored to have been able to thank him for his military service, and pray for him eternally.
October 4, 2017
Charles Kinman
I am saddened to hear of the passing of this man. A friend to all that had the privilege of meeting him and working with him. He was a very thoughtful man but didn't hesitate to tell it like it is. His consideration to me after the passing of my wife in 2004 was most heartfelt and I never forgot how truly compassionate he was towards others. To Dan and all of his family I offer my condolences from my family to yours. I hope to be at the services for this fine man, father, and UNITED STATES MARINE!
October 4, 2017
P J
I am sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort sustain the family ithrough this difficult time. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
October 3, 2017
Candy Glancey
This was such a shock. Gone far too soon, but while he was with us he made the sun shine. I worked with him for many years. He was genuinely a kind and wonderful person. He will be missed.
October 3, 2017
Gina Flihan
I know the pain and I want you all to know how much I love you and that I will always be there for all of you. Uncle Freddy was special to all and with his passing, his words will never be forgotten. Nothing will be forgotten, ever! I love you, and Rest In Piece Uncle Fred, your brothers are with you!
October 2, 2017
I am so sad for this family's loss as Fred was our patriarch. He was my first cousin and I have a lifetime of great memories with him. I will miss his voice, his jokes, and his stories about the Marines.
I pray for comfort for all the members of his family he leaves behind, especially his only sister MaryAnn, who loved him so much. I am praying for his wife Peggy who will miss his devotion and love. I pray his children Daniel and Diane will find comfort in knowing he loved them unconditionally. And his grandchildren who he loved dearly.
Rest in Peace dear cousin.
I love you.
Sharon
October 2, 2017
mary ann olsen
My brother Fred will be missed by many. He was a one of a kind man of his word and is now walking with the Lord. We will miss you and you will be in our hearts forever. Love Your Sister, Mary Ann
October 2, 2017
So sorry to hear of your lose, Peggy! I am so glad I got to meet Fred at the Reunion. He was so enjoyable and fun to be with. He made the dinner quite pleasant. My father was a Marine as well and we had a beautiful service as you will.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Fred is certainly loved by all his family and friends. God's blessings on you and your family.
Much love, Jennifer Berry Ferguson, HBU'68
October 1, 2017
Paul Seiter
Very sorry to hear about the passing of Fred.
I worked for him at Eastern Ops.
He was a great guy and you definitely knew he was a Marine.
Sempra-Fi Fred.
October 1, 2017
Family
Doreen Jones
Words could never explain the love I had for my uncle Freddie ! Ever since I can remember he has been there for me even the day I was born bringing my mom Taco Bell to the hospital! He was my rock, my life coach , the man in my life I could always count on in times of indecision to clarify and give me an honest sometimes too honest opinion to help me come to conclusions myself ! I will miss him and his weekly phone calls but am truly blessed that he gave me my aunt Peggy to carry on his unconditional love for my family! Rest In Peace my dear uncle ! We have all gained another guardian angel ! My deepest sympathy to all our family ! Love forever , Doreen And Scott Jones
October 1, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Flihan Family. Fred was a special man and we will miss him. Rest in peace buddy...
Jim and Jane Valentine
September 28, 2017
Dad,
You have always been there through thick and thin, fixed evey problem, (or taught us how to fix it ourselves) and loved unconditionally. You have been the rock that everyone was allowed to stand or lean on. We are not sad for you, as we know you are in a better place, we are sad for ourselves, knowing that we have to be here without you... You have always shined bright and lit the path that was best for us, knowing that even if we went down the wrong one, you would still be there, to show us back to and give us that "mulligan" to choose the right one!! We hope you know how truly missed and loved you are and as we light this candle for you, we hope that you still come and visit and every once in a while help to light our path in life. We promise to try everything in our power to make you proud!! WE LOVE YOU....
DAN, SARAH, NICO AND CHASE
September 27, 2017
Ralph&Joanne Perretta
We have been neighbors with Fred and Peggy for over 30 years. What a delightful couple and the best neighbors one could ask for! Fred was everyone's friend and he will be greatly missed. Always one with helpful advice, always willing to lend a hand and help out in any way he could and always a kind word over our backyard fence. It was a pleasure to hear his deep booming voice and that happy laugh of his! Our thoughts and prayers are with Peg and the family.
September 24, 2017
Coworker
Michael Colburn
Didn't t seem that long ago that some of us attended his retirement from SDG&E. It was a privilege to have known him.
September 20, 2017
Friend
Linda Steenson
I am devastated. The world has lost a genuinely wonderful human and the angels have gained one.
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