Frederick T. Counter

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Frederick T. Counter, 81, of Punta Gorda, Fla. passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2016. He was at home with family by his side.

After graduating with a PH.D. in Microbiology from the University of Massachusetts, Fred and his wife, Marilyn, moved to Indiana where he worked for Eli Lilly as a microbiology research scientist for 30 years.

Upon retirement, they moved to Punta Gorda, FL.

Fred was a tireless volunteer and community servant. In Hancock County, he served as reserve deputy sheriff for 27 years during which time he was graduated from the Indianapolis Police Academy and was a certified scuba diver. He was County Republican Party Chairman for 11 years, served as County Coroner for 20 years, Director of the Home Detention and Work Release Program for 2 years and was a member of the Greenfield Central School Board. Upon moving to Punta Gorda, Fred became a volunteer for the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department and the Punta Gorda Police Department. He was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 98 for 19 years. Fred also was an active member in the PGI Civic Association and Burnt Store Presbyterian Church.

Fred was the devoted husband of his wife, Marilyn, and loving father to his two daughters, Claire (Steven) Bancroft of Fort Worth, Texas and Deirdre Counter Miller of Greenfield, Indiana. He is survived by his six grandchildren, David Bancroft, Nathan Bancroft, Lydia Bancroft, Olivia Miller, Chancellor Miller and Gabriel Miller. He is also survived by his sisters Lila Zale and Joan (Ken) Wilker.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 14 at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, Punta Gorda Florida.

Memorial donations may be made to Burnt Store Presbyterian Church or Tidewell Hospice, Port Charlotte, FL.