Donald D. Frederick

OBITUARY

Donald D. Frederick, 96, of Allentown, PA, passed away on November 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was the beloved husband of Maureen (Murphy) Frederick for 28 wonderful years. Born in Krocksville, PA, Don was the only son of Jonathan O. and Florence M. (Breisch) Frederick.

After his proud service in the United States Air Force, Don started his professional career as a splicer at Bell Telephone, Allentown. However, his true calling was real estate sales/development and, in 1969, he opened his own brokerage company, Don Frederick Realtors, later Gallery of Homes and, as the company expanded, The Frederick Group. His legacy of hard work and integrity continued when, in 2006, his son, Douglas, took ownership of the company, now named Howard Hanna The Fredrick Group. His love of people made him a natural salesman and seldom did he go somewhere that somebody didn’t say, “Are you THE Don Frederick?” Among the highlights as a developer, in partnership with his three children, he purchased the land known today as Rodale’s Organic Farm in Maxatawny, the Hills at Devonshire and Devon Ridge, building The Paragon Centre and The Frederick Building in which he pioneered the use of geothermal heating. With the development known as Springwood Hills, he incorporated walking paths among the homes, condos and apartments surrounding Wegmans which he brought to the Lehigh Valley.

Don was past president of the Allentown Exchange Club and served on the board of directors of the Allentown Symphony and Lehigh Valley Board of Realtors. He served on the executive board of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and Lehigh Valley Transportation Board in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. He was also a member of AOPA and the Builders Marketing Society.

In his earlier days, Don just loved performing at Theatre in the Round and playing league bowling. In later years, working out and riding his bike through Trexler Park became his passion. He was an avid reader and loved being surrounded by his many books. He was an excellent private pilot and shared that love with his wife and family. While he accomplished so much throughout his life, his greatest legacy was the people he loved and the lives he touched.

A very heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at Heather Glen Memory Care and Ascend Hospice. They helped ensure that Don’s transition was one of dignity and peace, a fitting close to an extraordinary life.

Don will be forever in our hearts.

Survivors: In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his three loving children, Carol Frederick Willows, of Old Chatham, NY, Constance (Dean) Mendell, of Rochester, VT, and Douglas (Karen) Frederick, of Coopersburg, PA, grandchildren, Hallie (Brett) Forrest, Emily (Matthew) Snodgrass, Spencer (Molly) Mendell, Jonathan Frederick, and Kalyn Frederick, and three great grandchildren, Ian and Alyssa Forrest and Jesse Snodgrass.

Services: Visitation will be held on November 19, 2026, from 10:00 – 11:30 AM with services to follow at Heintzelman – Stephens Funeral Home, P. C., 274 N. Krocks Road, Allentown, PA. (www.heintzelmanstephens.com)

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital, 3200 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley, PA 18034.