Elmer W. Fry, 92

September 26, 2015

Elmer W. Fry, 92, of Akron, PA passed away Saturday, September 26, 2015 at Ephrata Manor. He was the husband of Helen (Barr) Fry with whom he was married for over 70 years. They were married in Honeybrook, PA on April 8, 1945.
Born in Princeton Junction, NJ he was a son of the late Edward W. and Beulah (Grover) Fry. Elmer Fry graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1947 after returning from WWII. He proudly served in the US Army stationed in the Philippine Islands near Manila and was trained in photogrammetry and topographic map making from aerial photographs. Elmer worked for Princeton University in the Grounds and Buildings department for 25 years from 1960-1985. He was in charge of supervising new construction and maintaining the physical plant of the University. Elmer also served in a similar role for the Corning NY School system from 1956-1960 and the Warren State Hospital in Warren, PA from 1948-1956. He was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ephrata. As a lifelong Interurban and trolley car enthusiast, Elmer was a builder of his own powered scale models and a collector of models of all ages and scales, including a retired Red Arrow Trolley from Philadelphia’s SEPTA system. He employed his map making skills and engineering perspective to contribute to several historical books on Interurbans and Trolleys. Elmer’s memberships support 10 society and museum organizations across the US.
In addition to his wife he is survived by three sons Ben Israel and wife Rebekah of Boca Raton, FL, David Fry and wife Valthea of North Potomac, MD and Edward Fry and wife Debbie of Sugar Land, TX; four granddaughters and two grandsons. Elmer was preceded in death by a brother Edward Fry and a sister Ruth K. Fry.
The family expresses its heartfelt thanks to Walid Hammad for his constant, respectful care and companionship to Elmer. A compassionate care team that also included Kathy Fogie and Mary Downs enabled Elmer to live comfortably the last 4 years in his own home with his wife Helen.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 11AM from the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ephrata, 21 E Locust St, Ephrata, PA 17522 with Reverend Dwight McKay officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the memorial service at the Church. Interment will be held at the convenience of his family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, P. O. Box 515 Northampton, MA 01061-0515 in his memory.