Frederic H. Bacon

Frederic Howard Toone Bacon, artist and educator, died June 30th at home was born July 9, 1926 in Pottsville, PA and lived most of his life in Philadelphia, PA before moving to Reading, PA and returning to Pottsville in 2013. Fred or "Freddie" was the son of the late Lillie Estella Dodson and the late Waverly Isaac Bacon, Sr. (descendent of Issac Toone). Fred is also preceded in death by his sister - Marion and brother - Waverly, Jr. (Biff). Fred is a graduate of Pottsville Area High School (1944). He served in the U.S. Army from 1945-1946 and received the Army Occupational Medal (Japan) and other numerous decorations and citations for his participation in the South Philippines Liberation Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Fred studied at the Tyler School of Art which is now part of Temple University. From Tyler he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts - B.F.A. (1951) and Bachelor of Science - B.S. (1956) degrees in Education. After completing advanced study in Studio Art and Art History at Tyler, he earned his Master's in Fine Arts - M.F.A. from the Instituto Allende Universidad de of Guanajuato, Mexico. Fred was also a private student of Dr. Selma Burke and studied sculpture at Heritage House and in her New Hope, PA studio. Fred had an illustrious and very full life associated with the Arts (modern dance, theatre, painting and drawing). Fred thoroughly enjoyed painting, print making, visiting or serving as a docent at museums, attending Broadway shows, other musicals and concerts as well traveling to other countries to immerse himself in indigenous cultures and their art forms. His artistic background also included ballet and modern dance in New York and Philadelphia. He performed with the Selma Garret Dancers and the Philadelphia Orchestra in Youth Concerts and with the John Hines Dance Company. As an art educator and administrator with the Philadelphia School District he studied, produced and taught visual and performing arts between 1944 and 1993 including teaching Saturday lessons to students of all ages. Through his efforts the School District's Annual Young Artist's Exhibition had become the country's largest school district art exhibition. Fred retired as the Division Head of Art Education for the District. During his tenure and beyond Fred received numerous awards and accolades that ranged from the Schools on Parade citation, Outstanding Educator Award, Outstanding Achievement Award and more recently in his retirement the Berks Arts Council 2008 Pagoda Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts. Over time Fred was affiliated with numerous art associations including, but not limited to, National Art Education, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Arts, the University of the Arts, and the Studio Museum in Harlem, NYC. Fred also served on a variety of Boards (as member or chairman) and panels such as the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts, the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Dance Company, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Arts in Education Committee and the Academic Achievement Program (A.A.P.) Board at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Additionally, he served as guest lecturer at Community College of Philadelphia and the University of Arts and as featured artist at numerous venues in Philadelphia, Berks and Schuylkill counties. His gifts were many and encompassed teaching children's theatre at Heritage House, designing sets and properties for the Allens Lane Art Center, co-founding and directing (with Ms. Faye Snow) the All Philadelphia Senior High School Dance Group, and serving as the director and choreographer of dance for several School District programs. Fred's talent and legacy lives on through his former students who are art teachers, and commercial and professional fine artists. Fred once noted that he feels his greatest contribution has been to the large number of students who are not professional artists, but whose lives have been enriched by the study and exposure to the Arts. Overall, he attributes his own success to his talented and dedicated arts teachers whom he had the pleasure of working. Fred enjoyed life to the fullest whether he was discussing his love of the arts, showcasing his own creations (especially in recent years), taking in a performance, driving in the countryside, traveling to family reunions and immersing himself in genealogy, or cooking for and entertaining family and friends. He will be most remembered for his wisdom, wit and love and devotion to his family, especially his siblings. Fred is survived by his sisters, Evelyn Bacon Barnwell (Pottsville, PA) and Ann N. Bacon (Reading, PA), nephews - Paul Barnwell, III. (Pottsville, PA), Waverly I. Bacon, III (and children, Pottsville, PA), Mark S. Bacon, Jr. (spouse Lori and children, Dexter, MI) and Anthony W. Bacon (spouse Linda and daughter, Glenn Mills, PA); nieces - Monica L. Bacon (Anchorage, AK), Brigitt A. Barlow (and children, Allentown, PA), Angelique M. Bacon-Woodard (and spouse Robert, State College, PA), and numerous grand nephews, nieces and friends. Frederic was a long time member of the St. Luke's Episcopal Church Germantown Avenue; Philadelphia, PA and continued this relationship while he transitioned to the Christ Church in Reading, PA. Fred always maintained his relationship with his families home Parish, Trinity Episcopal Church Pottsville, A "Celebration of Life" memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at the Trinity Episcopal Church Centre Street and Howard Avenue, Pottsville, PA beginning at 10:00am. The family will receive guests prior to the service from 9:00-10:00am. In lieu of Flowers, please feel free to honor Frederic Howard Toone Bacon's memory by sharing a contribution to Trinity Episcopal Church. All monies will be directed to the music program at Trinity. James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville is in charge of arrangements. Please share your memories and with Freddie's family by signing the guest book at www.jehumphreyfuneralhome.com