IL SR0946

Fred Abdula of Waukegan died on October 12, 2012, at age 87; he was born August 22, 1925, graduated from Waukegan Township High School in 1943, served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, and earned a BSME from the University of Illinois.

Founded Air Con Refrigeration and Heating, Inc. in 1955 and served as president of the Lake County Contractors Association in 1973 and 1979; elected to the Bank of Waukegan board in 1975 and served as chairman and CEO from 1982 until retirement in 2011, with the main facility renamed The Honorary Fred Abdula Banking Center.

Served on the board of directors of the Genesee Theatre since 1991 and held positions with the Waukegan/Lake County Chamber of Commerce, First Federal Bank, Waukegan Business Association, and Vista Health Systems.

Received numerous honors including CEO of the Year by Financial World Magazine in 1993, Chicago Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame inductee in 2003, distinguished alumnus award from University of Illinois in 2006, and Patron of the Year from Waukegan Park District in 2009.

The Illinois Senate extends condolences to his surviving wife of 63 years Anna Marie, children Linda, Patrick, Michael, and Lisa, sister Marlene Hunt, and extended family.