Frederick M. Liebel

SAN DIEGO, CA — Fred Liebel, a true inspiration, a larger-thanlife man, and the one known as “the bald guy rolling around San Diego with the biggest smile you’ll ever see” passed away May 18, 2022 at the age of 67.

Fred was known as a friend to many, the best son and big brother, and of course the coolest “Uncle Freddie.” He touched countless people stretching from his hometown of Colonie New York, to where he lived in San Diego California, and everywhere in between.

A tattoo on his arm read, “Any ordinary man would have given up by now.” Fred was far from ordinary. At the age of 32 in 1986 he was involved in a motorcycle accident, suffering a spinal cord injury, paralyzing him. Fred took the adversity he faced and quite literally rolled with it, impacting

May 18, 2022 and inspiring so many through his perseverance and strength.

Once moving to California, Fred became an Adaptive PSIA level two certified instructor, turning his passion for skiing into a way to help others. Fred could be seen hitting the slopes in Big Bear or hand cycling with friends around California. Fred also picked up hockey, playing on the San Diego Ducks Sled Hockey team. His passion to help others continued through his

strong involvement in developing and shaping STRIDE. Fred was also a successful insurance broker for C3 Insurance, where he was surrounded by his wonderful team of coworkers that helped make California his home. When Fred wasn’t skiing, biking, playing hockey, or working he could be found making everyone around him smile, being the legless guy winning a free pair of socks, or spending time with his friends and family. He left everyone he met in awe and inspired by his determination and positive attitude.

Fred was an inspiration and supporter to everyone he came to know, but especially to his family. Fred was predeceased by his parents Connie (George “Pep”) Haeberle and Fredick K. Liebel. He is survived by his two sisters Gigi (Mike) Shaughnessy and Michelle (Mike)

Bissonette, and their children; Autumn Rose and Michael Ryan Shaughnessy, Ashley (Aaron) Girard, Bryan (Maeve) Bissonette, and Chris (Jenna) Bissonette. His great nieces Scarlett and Seán, and great nephews Bodie and Anderson were also fortunate enough to experience the impacts that Fred had on those who were fortunate enough to know him. He was always the first to call with a congratulations, there to give advice, keep the peace, or roll in with the biggest smile to show his love and support.

There is truly no one like Fred, and he will be missed more than anyone can describe. A private burial will be held in New York at the discretion of his family.

Donations in Fred’s name can be sent to www.usarc.org.

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