Coach Fred

https://www.maugergivnish.com/obituary/fredrick-duling

Fred H. Duling, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia and a legendary figure in the rowing community, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025, at the age of 80. Born in 1944, Fred dedicated his life to his family, his community and the sport of rowing, leaving an indelible mark as a world-class oarsman, an esteemed coach and an example of embracing life fully after spinal cord injury.

A proud member of Malta Boat Club, Fred’s rowing career spanned decades, during which he earned numerous national titles and international medals. His impressive list of accomplishments includes multiple victories at the Royal Canadian Henley, the US National Championships, the Head of the Charles and the Head of the Schuylkill. He represented the United States with distinction at the European/World Rowing Championships, traveling to Moscow, Amsterdam and Copenhagen, twice returning with bronze medals. His dedication to the sport was recognized with accolades such as the Max Heider Award for Outstanding Athlete of the Schuylkill Navy, the Illman Award for Lifetime Achievement from Malta Boat Club, multiple Outstanding Masters Athlete awards from the Schuylkill Navy and being honored with the naming of the Gold Cup Foundation’s annual Blackwall Duling Challenge for para-sculling. Fred competed in the Schuylkill Navy Run on 65 consecutive Thanksgiving Days, making history as the Run’s most dedicated participant, having crossed the finish line in more than half of its cross-country races. He and his longtime rowing partner, Rick Stehlik, also remain the winningest 2x at the Head of the Schuylkill.

Fred was also a revered coach, helping to guide the next generation of rowers. He was a beloved assistant coach at Merion Mercy Academy, where he was known for keeping a stash of mini candies in his wheelchair tote. He was head coach at Malta Boat Club, Penn AC, and Wilmington Rowing Center’s Learn to Row Program. He served as the US lightweight sculling coach for the Pan American Games and helped lead crews to success at the World Championships and other international competitions.

In addition to his contributions to rowing, Fred was a skilled craftsman and artist. He worked as a glazier and was a member of Glaziers Local 252. He spent much of his career with Allglass Systems in Langhorne, PA, where he maintained a close friendship with the owner, Rein Clabbers. Outside of work, he was a talented stained-glass artist, designing and creating beautiful lamps, windows, and decorative boxes. His artistry was a true passion, and his intricate designs were admired by many.

Fred’s resilience and outlook on life defined him just as much as his athletic and artistic achievements. On the morning of December 6, 2010, while decorating Malta Boat Club for Christmas, he suffered a devastating fall that left him a quadriplegic. Fred often said that was both the worst and the best day of his life—the worst because of the physical challenges he faced, but the best because it helped him understand what mattered most. Fred spent six months inpatient at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, where he gained firsthand insight into the struggles and triumphs of those recovering from serious injuries. His faith in the Lord sustained him through a difficult and painful recovery. He approached his life after injury with a level of gratitude and hope that made him a living testament to God’s grace.

He became an active advocate for those with disabilities and served on Magee’s Patient Advisory and Walk it Out committees. He and his wife, Edith, later became dedicated peer mentors at

Magee, offering guidance, support, and encouragement to patients adjusting to life after spinal cord injuries. Together, they championed programs that improved patients’ quality of life and built confidence vital to leading independent and fulfilling lives. In recognition of his unwavering commitment to helping others, Fred was honored with Magee’s Champion in the Community Award in 2014.

After his accident Fred could no longer work with stained glass due to loss of hand strength. Undeterred, he found a new artistic outlet—carving and building miniature boats and oars. His handcrafted pieces became some of the most sought-after trophies on Boathouse Row.

Fred’s true legacy extends far beyond any medals or awards—he was a beloved husband to Edith, who dedicated her life to his care after his accident. She quite literally made it possible for him to enjoy life post-injury. Fred and Edith were fortunate to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary just weeks before his death. He was Dad to Amy (Bert Comfort), Fred (Suzanne) and Sara (Sandor Ferenczy) and Pop Pop to nine grandchildren Nate, Ellie, Caleb, Phoebe, Webb, Bizzy, Sandor, Beatrix and Bence, who brought absolute joy to his life every day. He is also survived by his brother Bill Duling (Sandra) and his sister Dorothy Ann Talley (Glenn) who brought him tremendous comfort during his many hospitalizations over the final year of his life.

Fred will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow rowers, members of his church, colleagues at Magee and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His contributions to rowing, his spirit of perseverance, and his love and kindness to everyone will live on in the many lives he touched.

We will remember Fred with a funeral service and celebration of life later in March. Arrangements are currently being finalized and will be posted shortly. Anyone who knew Fred knows he loved a good party, so please plan to join his family to raise a few glasses, get out on the dance floor and send him out in style. His fellow oarsman at Malta will also be honoring Fred with a memorial row, so look out for those details as well.

Finally, we know many of you want to hear and share Fred stories and memories! We have left Fred’s phone turned on and we encourage you to call, hear his voice one last time, and leave us a voicemail which we will compile into Fred Story tracks for people to listen to and enjoy. If you would prefer to share your stories in writing, please send them to [email protected]

Fred H. Duling (1944 – 2025)

Obituary for Fredrick Henry Duling at Mauger Givnish Funeral Home Fred H. Duling 1944 2025 Fred H. Duling, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia and a legendary figure in the rowing community, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025, at the age of 80. Born in 1944, Fred dedicated his life to his family, his community and the sport of rowing,

"Councilmember Curtis Jones, whose district includes the Carousel House, previously told Billy Penn he supports the demolition of the Carousel House. His staff didn’t respond to a request for updated comment.

Carousel House advisory council president Tamar Riley said if the city doesn’t change its plan, her group will continue to make noise.

“This is our special place,” Riley said. “And this is the first of many rallies to help save the Carousel House.”"

'First of many' protests over teardown of Philly's only rec center for people with disabilities “I'm praying that they stay open,” said a mother whose son has Down syndrome and visited the Carousel House often.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Mayor Jim Kenney Magee Rehabilitation Hospital Pennsylvania Center For Adapted Sports -

We need space for everyone, not closures & demolition with no plan for the people who rely on it.

Parks & Rec and the City of Philadelphia, what is your plan for replacement of the only recreation center designed for the disabled?!?

Philly is closing the city's only rec center designed for people with disabilities The Fairmount Park building that’s home to Carousel House is damaged beyond repair, officials say.

While the official in person run was cancelled (I didn't let losing the use of my legs stop me so why should a global pandemic) Sandor Ferenczy and I are headed down to Kelly Drive to get my manual chair and head out for our own socially distanced thanksgiving day run. This is the 61st consecutive year I will be running. Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia

Am i a social media influencer now?? 😎
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDuMzGwDMoQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

I had a special request from a special guy (my dad!) for a mask that incorporated one of his lifelong pursuits - rowing. These masks are $12 and 15% of each purchase will go to support adaptive rowing. #schuylkillnavy @boathouse_row #boathouserow

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Let’s start off by celebrating this guy.... FRED DULING... who completed his 60th CONSECUTIVE Schuylkill Navy Run yesterday ! Just to put this in some context .... that means Fred has been competing in consecutive years longer than even regattas like HOCR and HOSR have been in existence! It’s a completely astounding statistic! Show your love for the one and only Fred Duling below ! And, may we all take inspiration from his strength, grit, and commitment to the great traditions of !

http://disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/adgp/
Customized cardboard adaptations for kids. Neat!

Programs: Technology | Institute on Disabilities at Temple University

For People With Disabilities New Technology Can Be Life Changing "We shouldn't need to know they have a disability. It should just work for them."