Frederick Dixon

Frederick Thomas Dixon was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1938, the son of the late Frederick Dixon and Helen Liss Dixon. Fred grew up in Northeast Philadelphia and was known as a passionate Phillies fan, having spent one off-season riding his bike all over the city to track down the autograph of every player on the 1950 pennant winning team. He later attended Lincoln High School where he excelled at Track.

Fred studied Economics at Franklin and Marshall College where he also continued his success in Track, including an undefeated collegiate season in 1960. Following his graduation from Franklin and Marshall, Fred went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Economics at the University of Maryland and then his PhD from Temple University.

Fred’s career included serving as the Chief Economist for the chemical company ICI Americas in Wilmington, DE and later was the president of the Economics consulting firm Economic Insights. During that time, Fred also served as a financial and economic advisor to six Delaware governors on the Delaware Economics and Financial Advisory Council.

Starting in the early years of his 47-year marriage to Martha Fitzpatrick Dixon, the two became passionate about art, spending many weekends in New York visiting galleries. Over the course of their marriage the two studied art extensively and both served as docents at the Barnes Foundation in Merion, PA for 10 years. Fred would say that the only passion greater than his love of art was his love of Martha, and in 2013 he published the book “700 Years of Art History: Pre-Renaissance to Modernism”, dedicating this book to his greatest love. Fred would lecture on art at a variety of venues for the next 20 years.

In addition to his deep love of Martha, Fred will be remembered as a great communicator and storyteller, his drive and commitment to excellence in everything he took on, and as a loving brother and uncle.

Fred passed peacefully on June 27^th. He was preceded in death by his wife Martha. Fred is survived by his sister Barbara Woodcock, nephews John and Steven Woodcock, niece Pamela Bennett and in-laws Margie Fitzpatrick Donlon and Jack Donlon.

Send a Condolence Light a Candle Send Flowers Print Out Obituary

Funeral Services

A private burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Greenville, DE. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Rd, West Chester, PA on Friday, July 12^th at 11:30 am. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Fred can be made to the National MS Society

Condolences

Dianne Flora (formerly Santomauro) lit a candle and writes,

I'm sending my Most Sincere Condolences since, regrettably, I'm unable to attend Fred's Remembrance today. Prayers & Deepest Sympathies are with you. Fred was a Dear Friend and an Extraordinary Boss. In 1979, when Fred became ICI's Chief Economist, he hired me as his Secretary. At my interview, I noticed a picture of a lovely blonde woman on his credenza behind him. I soon learned that Beautiful Lady was his Beloved Martha ~ the Love of His Life. At that time, I also had longer blonde hair parted down the middle. He told me about the day a male coworker came to his office. Upon seeing me and the picture of Martha, he said, "Boy! It must be really nice to have your wife working for you!" You can imagine how Fred replied to him with his laugh and an appropriate comment! Together, we created the "Economic Insights" newsletter. I was his editor, as well as the composer & producer of it. He helped me begin my career in Communications. I could always read his atrocious handwriting. Since Fred reported directly to the President of ICI, it was critical that his writings were timely and accurate. Indeed, we were quite a team! He always had an intern from UD working for him. Over time, there were 3 of them ~ Phyllis, Theresa and Danny. We all became very good friends. It was my honor to have known Martha. She was such a loving, intelligent and giving person who brought joy to all of us. In later years, they would invite us all over to their awesome home for dinner. They were the best hosts and served the best wines! And it was always a joy to hear about a new piece of art. But the best part was witnessing the Deep Love that Fred and Martha shared. THE CUTEST COUPLE!! So many wonderful memories. Over the years, we kept in touch. One of my nieces was born in New York in 1980 on Fred's birthday, so I always remembered it and called him every year to sing "Happy Birthday" to him. Martha would answer the phone and after greeting me would say, "Fred, it's for you." She knew. I'm a performer, and he enjoyed hearing it. He was one of my biggest fans and would comment that I sounded like Diana Krall. Fred was a Rare Treasure that I was Blessed to have in my life. Martha too. In 2013, he sent me a signed copy of his extraordinarily comprehensive Art History book. I cherish his personal message which ended with, "Enjoy & keep singing." I remember him telling me all about their trips and big move and the transporting of their art. Fred & Martha's life together was One Big Adventure! And so, it continues in Heaven. They are hand in hand once again. May they Rest In Peace, and May God Bless You All. With Much Love, Dianne (Santomauro) Flora P.S. I have many beautiful pictures and mementos in a box in my basement of our time together. Once I find them, I will send you copies to Fred's address. (302) 753-2249

07/12/2024 11:27 am

Cancel reply

Thank You

Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.